KARACHI - Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah has said that the government will fully ensure protection and preservation of Indus valley civilization. This he stated while attending a presentation of the Culture Department here on Saturday.
He said that Moen-jo-Daro, Ranikot, Kot Diji, Bhambhore, Umerkot, Makli, Chaukundi and other historical and archaeological sites fully highlight the precious historical perspective monuments of Sindh province and it is prime duty of historians, researchers and writers to write contribute and protect the history of Sindh. He also directed the Culture department to initiate work of archaeology section and should achieve good results. On a suggestion of CM’s Advisor Taj Haider, the Chief Minister directed that old and precious libraries of Sindh lying unattended and in bad condition be preserved and protected including Sheesh Mahal of Khairpur.
He also directed that the record, reports and publications available at India office London be obtained early. Sindh Minister for Culture Ms Sassui Palijo and Sindh Secretary for Culture Abdul Aziz Uqaili in their presentation informed that under the directives of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, Cultural Cell was established in the Education Department to protect the Cultural heritage of Sindh in 1976 which was raised up to Administrative department in 1988.
It was informed that 130- archaeological sites, monuments and museums have been handed over to Culture department after passing 18th constitutional amendment in 2011. For promotion of Art, the secretary informed that Mehran Music Academy has been established at Hyderabad in February 2012 where 200 persons are being trained in classical music and folk dance. It was informed that research chairs had been established at various Universities. Besides, public Libraries and Cultural Centres are being established in various towns and cities of Sindh province. As far as funds are concerned, 29- ongoing schemes worth Rs357.50 million, 7 new schemes worth Rs: 42.50 million and 3 non ADP schemes worth Rs86 million are being implemented.
It was further informed that 16 cultural complexes have been established during last 4 years in different towns / cities of the province while 7 Cultural Centres are being established at the cost of Rs245 million. The meeting was informed that Government of Sindh has taken a number of welfare initiatives for legends and writers, poets and artists, as such endowment fund has been established with initial amount of Rs200 million and so far 239 beneficiaries have received Rs18.84 million. Besides 540 writers, poets and artists have been paid Rs11.33 million (Rs24,000 each per year).
Legends Trust Fund has also been set up with allocation of Rs60 million for legends in the field of literature, culture, sports etc. It was further informed that museums are also being developed and maintained while national conference on Moen Jo Daro will be held in October this year.