The Andhra Pradesh government has constituted a new eight-member committee to oversee the division of antiquities between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. These antiquities are currently housed at the Telangana State Museum and will be distributed as per the provisions of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014.
The government issued official orders in this regard on Wednesday.
Tejaswi Podapati Appointed as Committee Chairperson
The state government has appointed Tejaswi Podapati, Chairperson of the AP Creative and Cultural Commission, as the chairperson of the committee. Meanwhile, the Commissioner of the Department of Archaeology and Museums will serve as the convener.
The order was issued by Special Chief Secretary (Tourism Department) Ajay Jain, who also directed officials to initiate further action immediately.
Eight-Member Expert Committee Announced
In addition to Tejaswi Podapati, the committee includes several senior experts and officials. The appointed members are:
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Prof. Vakulabharanam Ramakrishna (Retired Professor, Hyderabad Central University)
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Dr. Emani Shivanagi Reddy (Retired Sthapathi)
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KSB Kesava (Retired Deputy Director)
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B. Vasudevachari (Retired ADB Officer)
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M. Yogi Reddy (Joint Secretary, AP Finance Department)
Notably, the committee brings together academic, archaeological, and administrative expertise to ensure transparency and accuracy.
Committee’s Role and Responsibilities
The committee will coordinate with the Telangana State Committee to carry out the identification, selection, monitoring, and equitable distribution of antiquities belonging to Andhra Pradesh. Furthermore, it will take steps to transfer AP’s historical artifacts to the state and ensure their proper preservation in museums.
Additionally, officials will follow all legal and procedural guidelines during the division process.
Government Directs Immediate Action
Special Chief Secretary Ajay Jain has instructed the Commissioner of Archaeology and Museums to take necessary steps for smooth coordination and timely implementation. As a result, the long-pending issue of antiquities division is expected to move forward decisively.
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