Photographers to need ASI nod at monuments

Culture Ministry has issued a preliminary notification which among others, seeks to ban entry of photographers without licence at monuments under Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) across the country.
The draft rules shall come into force from the date of publication of the notification in the Official Gazette, the ministry said.
"Interested person likely to be affected by the said rules may submit objections or suggestions within the period of thirty days from the date on which the copies of Official Gazette of these draft rules are made available to the public," it said.
In the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Rules, 1959, the sub-rule (d) of rule 8 (Prohibition of certain acts within monuments) would be substituted with "Hawk or sell any goods or wares or canvass any custom for such goods or wares or display any advertisement in any form or show a visitor round or take his photographs for monetary consideration, except under the authority of, or under, and in accordance with the conditions of, a licence granted by an archaeological officer," the notification, dated May 12, said.

Currently, ASI, which is under Culture Ministry, has over 3,600 monuments, archaeological sites and remains of national importance.
These monuments and sites are maintained and preserved through various circles of the ASI spread all over the country.