Assam | Directorates of Archaeology, Museum and Historical Studies to be merged

Guwahati, July 15 (NKTV): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma today said that three existing directorates viz. Archaeology, Museum and Historical and Antiquarian Studies will be brought under the proposed Department of Indigenous Faith and Culture.

Replying to a Zero Hour discussion on the creation of the new department initiated by AGP MLA Ramendra Narayan Kalita and BJP MLA Bhubon Pegu in the Assembly, CM Sarma said that he has already prepared a roadmap for the proposed wing.

“We have made a proposal that the Directorate of Archaeology, Directorate of Museum and the Directorate of Historical and Antiquarian Studies will be brought under the new department” the CM said.

On July 10, the Assam Cabinet had approved a proposal to create the ”Department of Indigenous Faith and Culture” to protect the faith and cultural practices of people belonging to tribal and other indigenous communities.

“We are thinking of allocating Rs 100 crore for this new department in this year’s budget. I will be happy if I can give Rs 500 crore to it in the fifth year” Sarma said.

He informed the House that a roadmap has been prepared and it will be discussed with the tribal people and tribal MLAs. “I believe all our MLAs will give their suggestions. We want to start a tradition that we preserve our history at the place where it originated, not in the books” Sarma added.