‘ASI’s scientific credentials suspect’

The Archeological Survey of India (ASI) has come under fire by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture, primarily for resorting to unscientific and non-technical appraisals while embarking on excavations. The committee, headed by CPI(M) MP Nilotpal Basu, deplores the ASI’s apathy in complying with a recommendation to make the institute a scientific and technical department, rather than just an administrative body to preserve and conserve the country’s 3,000 and more monuments.

Taking its cue from the replies given by the Culture Ministry (the ASI falls under this ministry) on the Saraswati River Project, the parliamentary report says, ‘‘It is of the firm view the Saraswati River Heritage Project didn’t conform to the criterion fixed for excavation of archaeological sites since no academic body or university had recommended the project. The committee understands the existence of Saraswati River is purely a mythological one and a scientific institution like the ASI has not correctly proceeded in the matter. The committee recommends all decisions for excavations should be made on the basis of proper scientific and technical appraisal and no extraneous factors should go into decision making.’’

Furthermore, the committee has asked the ASI to immediately put into action a 15-year-old government notification, which has proposed converting the ASI from an administrative body, to a full-fledged scientific and technical department. Notes the committee report, ‘‘The ASI has failed in spearheading scientific discipline of archaeology in the country. The ASI must reinvent itself, not merely as an administrative wing of the government, but as an agency for protecting and safeguarding our national heritage, which involves scientific and technical work. Unless this happens, the basic role and function of the ASI will be defeated.’’

For starters, the panel recommends the immediate appointment of a ‘‘qualified’’ director general, instead of a ‘‘generalist administrator’’ like an IAS officer on deputation. Despite a government gazette notification in May 2002 for the post of DG, it has not been filled by a proper candidate but by IAS officers on deputation.