Hospitality & Protocol deptt
rebuts article on transfer of Toshkhana assets
JAMMU, NOVEMBER 12:
The Hospitality and Protocol department has strongly countered the article
published in a local daily newspaper on November 11 regarding the transfer of
Toshkhana assets.
According to a
communication issued here today in this regard, the H&P department has
clarified and corrected several misinterpretations concerning the actions and
efforts being undertaken by the Hospitality and Protocol Department, alongside
other governmental bodies, to ensure a seamless and timely transfer of these
invaluable assets.
The document added
that the claim of "inordinate delay and lack of coordination" fails
to consider the intricate and multi-layered nature of the process. It reads
‘Toshkhana assets include historically significant artifacts, precious metals
and antiques of immense cultural value. The inventory and handover of such
items require careful, exacting documentation, as well as collaboration across
multiple agencies.
Due to the
historical and irreplaceable nature of these items, it is essential to account
for each piece precisely and securely. Moreover, certain items are housed in
locations protected by multiple security layers, making access to them
logistically challenging and understandably time-intensive”.
“The Hospitality
and Protocol Department initaited immediate action following the Administrative
Council's decision on August 13, 2022, as formalized by Government Order
No.11-JK(H&P) on August 30.2022, which sanctioned the closure of Toshkhana
Organization. In line with this directive, the department promptly initiated
measures for asset transfer, issuing necessary instructions to relevant
departments. However, the preservation and management of the assets require a
collaborative and structured approach. Recognizing this, the government of
J&K proactively constituted specialized committees under General
Administration Department Order No.992-JK(GAD) dated August 21, 2023”, read the
document.
These committees
are being led by the Deputy Commissioners of Jammu and Srinagar and comprise of
experienced, high-ranking officials including the Senior Superintendents of
Police, Director Hospitality and Protocol Department and the Director of
Archives, Archaeology and Museums. The committees have a critical role in
coordinating across departments, ensuring that each piece within the Toshkhana
is carefully cataloged and systematically transferred according to established
protocols.
The communication
further read “The Deputy Commissioners in both Jammu and Srinagar are at the
helm of these efforts and are fully conscious of the urgency of this issue and
have adopted a proactive approach. Under their guidance every efforts being
made to expedite the transfer while prioritizing the security and preservation
of the Toshkhana items. The committees are implementing streamlined protocols
and addressing any procedural delays as they arise. They remain steadfast in
coordinating across different administrative branches, ensuring all elements of
the inventorying and transfer process are managed with the utmost efficiency
and adherence to legal and procedural norms”.
The committees are
working on a collaborative, “All-of-government” approach, recognizing the
importance of each department's role in achieving a common objective. This
approach underscores the government's dedication towards preserving these
assets and managing the transfer with precision.
The process is
progressing as efficiently as possible given the logistical challenges,
procedural safeguards, and preservation standards necessary for transferring
such valuable items. Far from neglecting their responsibility, the involved
departments and committee members have been working tirelessly to meet the
intricate requirements of this undertaking.
“The government is
fully committed towards completing this transfer responsibly and expeditiously.
We urge recognition of the complexity of this task and of the dedicated,
ongoing efforts by the committees led by the Deputy Commissioners of Jammu and
Srinagar, who are managing this process with diligence care, and
accountability”, read the official rebuttal.