Auditor General calls for alignment of laws on heritage conservation

The Office of the Auditor General has directed the alignment of laws, policies, standards, and regulations related to archaeological heritage and private monuments for their construction and preservation. This directive is mentioned in the 63rd report released by the office.

According to Section 3 (gha) of the Private Monuments Preservation Act, 2013, the Department of Archaeology is responsible for the conservation of private monument sites and archaeological sites. Meanwhile, Section 11, Subsection 2, Clause (fa), Serial Numbers (2) and (3) of the Local Government Operation Act, 2074, assign the responsibility of conservation, promotion, development, and management of archaeological private monuments, museums, and traditional festivals to the local governments.

The Auditor General’s report notes that both local levels and the department are incurring expenses for the construction and preservation of heritage sites, such as temples. This could lead to duplication in the selection and implementation of plans.

The Auditor General’s office has also raised concerns about the increased travel expenses incurred by the department when inspecting and monitoring heritage construction in remote areas.