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DRAFT Guidelines of Ministry of Culture regarding Sale and Auction of Important Memorabilia Government of India notes with concern the periodic attempts being made by certain persons/agencies/organizations to gain commercial profit from the international auction of art, antiquities and other objects of importance to the nation and its people. A campaign is normally launched a few days/weeks in advance, by drawing the attention of the media to the fact that these objects would be put up for public auction, primarily with the purpose of stirring up sentiments and a demand to compete with higher and higher bids, so as to push up the auction value of such items, by playing upon national feelings. Government has carefully considered the matter and now formulates its Guidelines regarding sale and auction of important memorabilia, which are, as under:- 1. Government does not encourage auctions of memorabilia of its iconic leaders and cultural achievers and does not, therefore, participate in them. This stand may be made widely known as intense public sentiment has been articulated on several occasions in the recent past. 2. Further, such auction often constitutes a breach or violation of the trust of the person who presented or bequeathed the items to the owners who now intend to auction them, for a primarily commercial motive. 3. If any items under the auction are covered under the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972, Government would ensure that severe legal consequences visit all those concerned. An amendment of the Act to cover such important memorabilia may also be considered for inclusion to enable the Government to take suitable action. 4. Government would not encourage such (obviously commercial) motives, by entering into the proposed auctions by participating directly and thereby further pushing up the auction value of the items under consideration, at the expense of the Indian taxpayer. 5. If, however, any private person or organization, that has expertise in the dynamics of these auction systems, proposes to participate in such auctions, government may (wherever required) offer them such support and facility, provided the ultimate aim is to restore the items under consideration to India, through an appropriate Museum, Gallery or other Institution. 6. Gandhi Smriti & Darshan Samiti may prepare and maintain a comprehensive list of important memorabilia relating to Mahatma Gandhi, as available at present, with numerous institutions/ groups/ individuals. 7. Similar exercise may be taken up by notified institutions for other iconic personalities, as may be decided by Government. 8. The Committee constituted to evaluate works and rare items of iconic figures, including those put up for Auctions, by Ministry of Culture vide Order No. F.7-8/2010-C&M dated 7th September, 2010 (copy enclosed), may continue to advise Government in this regard and its mandate extended, if required. (copy enclosed)
No. F.7-8/2010-C&M Government of India Ministry of Culture Vigyan Bhavan Annexe New Delhi, the 7th September, 2010
O R D E R
In supersession of this Ministry’s order No. F.7-8/2007-C&M dated 22nd July, 2008, with a view to examine/evaluate/make recommendations in regard to the works/letters/manuscripts written by Mahatma Gandhi which are available or put on auction/sale, it has been decided to re-constitute the Committee with the following Members:- i) Prof. Mushirul Hasan, Director-General, National Archives of India ii) Ms. Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Vice Chairperson, Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti iii) Ms. Varsha Das, Former Director, National Gandhi Museum iv) Dr. Y.P. Anand, Former Director, National Gandhi Museum v) Dr. Mridual Mukherjee, Director, Nehru Memorial Museum and Library vi) Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture
2 The Committee will examine the contents of such works/letters/manuscripts and make recommendations to the Ministry for appropriate action to be taken as and when the occasion arises, with proposed and detailed terms and conditions that may be borne in mind while finalizing the concerned matter/s. Prof. Mushirul Hasan, DG, NAI, will convene the meetings. The Committee will be serviced by the National Archives of India.
(B.B. Samaddar) Director 1. All Members of the Committee 2. Sr. PPS to Secretary (Culture) 3. PS to JS (T)
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