ASI lifts ban on photography at protected monuments
New Delhi, July 12 : Hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi questioned the rule prohibiting photography at protected monuments, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Thursday lifted the ban on photography within the premises of all centrally protected monuments/sites, except at three sites.
The three monuments/sites in which the photography would not be permitted are Ajanta Caves, Leh Palace and the Taj Mahal at Agra.
Earlier in the day, Modi while inaugurating Dharohar Bhawan, the new headquarters building of the ASI, had questioned rules that prohibit people from taking pictures at some monuments as he called for people's participation and involvement in protecting the country's archeological heritage.
Modi referred to notices at some monuments asking people not to take pictures and said the times had changed and it was possible through technology to zero in on a neighbourhood.
"Using space technology, you can know what is the number of a scooter parked in an area of Delhi. But on the board of monument it is written that photography is prohibited. Time has changed, technology has changed."
Recalling his experience as Gujarat Chief Minister, Modi said that he gave instructions to withdraw the notice that prevented people from taking pictures at Sardar Sarovar dam.
He said there was good response and later ticketing was introduced.
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15 IAS officers transferred in Haryana
Chandigarh (PTI): The Haryana government transferred 15 IAS officers with immediate effect on Wednesday.
Among those who have been transferred are Vineet Garg, Chairman, Haryana State Pollution Control Board. He has been posted as the additional chief secretary to the government's printing and stationery department, relieving Raja Shekhar Vundru of the charge, a government order said.
Ajay Kumar, Deputy Commissioner, Gurugram, has been transferred and posted as the deputy principal secretary-II to the chief minister against a newly-created post.
Pankaj Agarwal, Principal Secretary, Irrigation and Water Resources Department, has been posted as the principal secretary in the architecture department, relieving Apporva Kumar Singh of the charge.
Saket Kumar, Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Commissioner and Secretary, Development and Panchayats Department, has been transferred and posted as the commissioner and secretary in the archives department, relieving Shekhar Vidyarthi of the charge.
Mani Ram Sharma, Registrar, Cooperative Societies, has been posted as the secretary in the health department, relieving Rippudaman Singh Dhillon of the charge.
