AMENDMENTS IN ANTIQUITIES ACT UNDER CONSIDERATION

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LOK SABHA

The Government is considering amendments in the Antiquities and Art Treasurers Act, 1972 to check thefts and antiquities and smuggling by making the Act more effective. This was stated by the Minister for Tourism and Culture, Shri Jagmohan in reply to a question by Shri Hari Bhai Chaudhary and Shri Birsingh Mahto in Lok Sabha today.

Besides this, steps have been taken by the Archaeological Survey of India in consultation with the law enforcing agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation, Customs, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence and the State government Police to check thefts of antiquities by stepping up vigilance and intensifying checking at the customs exit-channels. The Government has also initiated National Mission on Antiquities for protection of artifacts, Shri Jagmohan said.