(a) whether the Government is aware that a number of records/files relating to our Freedom Struggle are missing from the concerned department;
(b) whether ICHR had taken a venture to prepare a full-fledged documentary compilation of the historical freedom movements in the title of “Towards Freedomâ€;
(c) if so, whether the Government has any plan to investigate such activities in depth;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT ( SHRI ARJUN SINGH )
(a) Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) has informed
that their file on ‘Towards Freedom’ Project is missing.
(b) ICHR has undertaken a project namely ‘Towards Freedom’ to
publish ten volumes on History of India covering the period
1937-47.
(c) and (d): The Government have, on 6th September 2004,
appointed Shri D Bandyopadhyay, Executive Chairperson, Council
for Social Development and former Secretary to the Government
of India to review the work of Indian Council of Historical
Research (ICHR) and to hold inquiry into the affairs thereof.
The terms of reference of the Review are as follows:-
(i) review the administrative and financial functioning of the
Council in relation to aims and objectives as laid down in its
Memorandum of Association (MOA) / Rules;
(ii) probe into non-publication / stoppage of volumes of
`Towards the Freedom Project;
(iii) probe into non-submission of research work by
scholars, who were given fellowship by the Council during 1995-
96 2000-2001, as highlighted in the Report of the C & AG
2002-03;
(iv) probe into complaints / issues which are pending or could
be received or referred by the Ministry about the functioning
of the Council;
(v) consult eminent historians/academicians on any matter
under review, if need be; and
(vi) make such recommendations and suggest remedial measures as
are necessary to improve the functioning of the Council and
ensure its autonomy.
(e) Does not arise.