SRINAGAR: The Administrative Department responsible for the historic Mubarak Mandi Complex is poised for a shift from Tourism to Culture, the Daily Excelsior reported. A detailed note for approval by the Administrative Council (AC), headed by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, is nearly finalised. Notably, additional staff will be allocated to the Heritage Society to expedite ongoing restoration efforts.
“In 2005, the Mubarak Mandi Complex attained the status of a State Protected Monument through SRO-126, falling under the provisions of the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act,” official sources said, as per the Daily Excelsior report. The Directorate of Archives, Archaeology, and Museums, in collaboration with the Tourism Department, initiated urgent repair works.
Following the establishment of the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Society, the government, via Order No.561-GAD in 2008, transferred the complex to the Society for exclusive management and conservation purposes. However, lacking dedicated personnel, the Society collaborated with the M&W Wing of the Directorate of Tourism Jammu, making Tourism the administrative department overseeing the historic complex.
“Neither the Culture Department nor the Directorate of Archives, Archaeology, and Museums had been consulted by the Society,” highlighted official sources. Now, a decision has been made to shift the Administrative Department from Tourism to Culture, with an impending detailed note for approval by the Administrative Council.
“With this shift, the Restoration and Beautification (R&B) Department will execute the restoration works in consultation with the Culture Department and the priorities set by the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Society,” sources informed.
In addition to the departmental shift, the Administrative Council will consider allocating more manpower to the Heritage Society, addressing its current shortage of officials for routine matters. The prospect of assigning engineers to the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Society is also under consideration.
“The Society operates with a Governing Body and Executive Committee, empowered to manage its affairs and execute aims and objectives,” sources explained. Meetings of the Governing Body, mandated to convene at least twice a year, maybe called urgently by the Chairman with a 24-hour notice. The Executive Committee oversees day-to-day affairs and implements tasks delegated by the Governing Body.
“Funding for the Society’s activities is derived from revenue provided by the Central Government and J&K Government, grants from local bodies and other institutions, donations, and fees,” sources clarified. The Lieutenant Governor has consistently emphasized the timely completion of conservation measures for the historic complex, considering its significance as a symbol of inherited traditions and social values. The last Governing Body meeting also saw the decision to establish a Project Management Unit for the restoration project.
