Assembly Business

List of Business

PROVINCIAL ASSEMBLY OF SINDH

ORDERS OF THE DAY

THURSDAY, THE 25^TH JUNE, 2009

 
Business to be brought forward before the Legislature on Thursday, the 25^th June, 2009 at 09:30 a.m.

II.   QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:

        (Culture & Tourism Department)

 
III.  LEAVE APPLICATION OF MEMBERS, IF ANY.

IV.        CONCLUSION OF GENERAL DISCUSSION ON THE-

                   (I) Budget Statement for the year 2009-10, as a whole,

                   (II) Supplementary Budget Statement for the year 2008-09.

V.               (I) Discussion on the Charged Expenditure (One Hour)

(II) Discussion and Voting on Demands for Grants on Supplementary Budget Statement for the year 2008-09.

Summary of Proceedings

PROVINCIAL ASSEMBLY OF SINDH

CULTURE & TOURISM DEPARTMENT

LIST OF STARRED ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR

THURSDAY THE 25^TH JUNE, 2009.

*780. MR. NADEEM AHMED BHUTTO: Will the Minister for Culture & Tourism be pleased to state:-

Name/amount given to ailing singers of Sindh for medical treatment during last five financial years?

ANSWER

MS. SASSUI PALIJO, Minister for Culture & Tourism:

The Culture Department generously takes care of poets, writers, musicians, singers, artists etc. and endeavors for their well being. As regards medical treatment of ailing singers during the last five financial years. The details at Annexure, placed on the table of the House.

*781. MR. NADEEM AHMED BHUTTO: Will the Minister for Culture & Tourism be pleased to state:-

Number of copies of English translation of the "Shah Jo Risalo" published by the Department during each of last five financial years with their cost?

ANSWER

MS. SASSUI PALIJO, Minister for Culture & Tourism:

Number of copies of English translation of the “Shah Jo Risalo” published by the Culture Department during last five financial years is as under:

*783. MR. NADEEM AHMED BHUTTO: Will the Minister for Culture & Tourism be pleased to state:-

The names of books published by the Culture Department during the last 5 years along with the subject and cost of each publication?

 ANSWER

MS. SASSUI PALEJO, Minister for Culture & Tourism:

Following are the details of books published by Culture Department during last five years along with subject and cost are as under:-

*784. MR. NADEEM AHMED BHUTTO: Will the Minister for Culture & Tourism be pleased to state:-

(a)     Whether any steps were taken by the Department during the last five financial years for promoting the poetry of great Sindh poet Shah Inayat Sufi;

(b)       If answer to (a) above be in affirmative, details thereof?

ANSWER

MS. SASSUI PALEJO, Minister for Culture & Tourism:

Sufi Shah Inayat was in fact not a poet. Some poetic work has been attributed to him but as per latest research, it is not his work. However work on the life and thought of this great Sufi poet has been planned and a research based work would be published at the time of next Urs of Sufi Shah Inayat in Feberuary,2009. similarly, an Adabi Conference will be held on the occasion of next Urs of Sufi Shah Inayat. Where scholars and intellectuals will be invited to read their papers on life, works and achievements of Sufi Shah Inayat.

*785. MR. NADEEM AHMED BHUTTO: Will the Minister for Culture & Tourism be pleased to state:-

(a)      Does the Government take steps to ensure the Sindhi Culture to be properly represented in electronic media;

(b)      If answer to (a) above be in affirmative, its details?

ANSWER

MS. SASSUI PALEJO, Minister for Culture & Tourism:

Government is fully aware of the impact of electronic media on masses. As regards representation of Sindh Culture in electronic media, it is stated that private media have their own policies and the Government has little control over it. Moreover, the Government believes in the freedom of the press and the electronic media. However, as regards Government controlled media; yes, the Provincial Government sincerely takes up the matter to project and promote the Sindh Culture in its truest from. Only recently, MD PTV and DG Radio as well as Private TV channels have been exhorted in this regard through a letter.

*1024. MR. ARIF MUSTAFA JATOI: Will the Minister for Culture & Tourism be pleased to state:-

(a)   Whether it is a fact that an “Antiquity Committee” has been formed in the Province;

(b)   If answer to (a) above be in affirmative, the terms of reference of the committee alongwith name of members?

ANSWER

MS. SASSUI PALEJO, Minister for Culture & Tourism:

(a)      There is no such Antiquity Committee formed in this Department.

(b)      However, it may be mentioned that Government of Sindh has created a separate Department “Antiquities Department”, with special focus on archaeological, historical and architectural heritage of the Province.

*1292. MS. FARHEEN MUGHAL: Will the Minister for Culture & Tourism be pleased to state:-

(a)   Is it a fact that Government has approved schemes to construct cultural complexes in every district of the province;

(b)   If answer to (a) above be in affirmative, the details thereof as well as time by when schemes will be started/completed?

ANSWER

MS. SASSUI PALEJO, Minister for Culture & Tourism:

(a)      Yes. The department Culture & Tourism has prepared a plan for establishment of Cultural Complexes in those Districts of the Province, where such institutions of Culture Department do not exist. Each complex will consist of four components i.e. Library, Museum, Art Gallery and an Auditorium. Presently Culture Complexes at Mithi, Mirpurkhas and Tando Allahyar are under construction. PC-I for establishment of Cultural Complex at Sukkur, Thatta, Umerkot, Nawabshah and Sanghar has been approved.

(b)      Work on Mithi and Mirpurkhas complexes will be completed by the end of financial year 2009-2010. tenders for Cultural Complex at Nawabshah and Thatta will be invited with in a month, work on other proposed complexes will start as soon as plots are made available by the District Government concerned.

*1295. MS. FARHEEN MUGHAL: Will the Minister for Culture & Tourism be pleased to state:-

(a)   Is it a fact that Government has set up Rs. 1 billion endowments Fund to preserve cultural heritage;

(b)   If answer to (a) above be in affirmative, the details thereof;

(c)    Whether it is fact that above Fund would be administered by a 14 members management Board and whether the Board has been formed;

(d)   If answer to (c) above is affirmative, names of members and functions of the Board alongwith progress made in respect of setting up of the above Fund?

ANSWER

MS. SASSUI PALIJO, Minister for Culture & Tourism:

(a)   Yes.

(b)   Though the maintenance and upkeep of archeological sites is the responsibility of the Department of Archeology and Museum, Government of Pakistan, but Sindh Government has found that the historical monuments and archeological sites in Sindh are not being looked after properly. The Sindh Government has therefore, taken up the issue of transfer of these sites to Provincial Government for       their proper preservation and conservation. Pending the decision regarding transfer of these sites, Sindh Government has decided to setup an Endowment Fund of Rs. one billion. An amount of Rs. 25 million will be provided for this fund annually and within four year’s Rs. one billion will be made available for the Fund. 50% amount of current year's allocation i.e. 12.5 million has already been released.

(c)    A 14 member Management Board for Endowment Fund for physical heritage of Sindh with the following composition has been constituted vide notification dated 30.8.2008:

1.Mr. Jahangir Siddqui                       Chairman

2.Mr. Hameed Akhund                        Member

3.Mr. Hameed Haroon                         Member

4.Shoukat Tareen                               Member

5.Ms. Nilofer Shaikh                           Member

Vice Chancellor Khairpur University

6.Ms. Sassui Palijo                             Member

7.Asad Umer,                                     Member

Chief Executive Officer, Engro

8.Ms.Yasmeen Lari, Architect             Member

9.Miss. Nafisa Shah, MNA                   Member

10.Secretry Culture & Tourism            Member

11.Secretary Finance                          Member

12.Secretary Antiquities                     Member/Secy.

13.Mr. Mazhar Siddqui                       Member

14.Mr. Ibrahim Shah                          Member

any member/members.

The terms of reference of the Board are as under:-

i)     To determine the investment policy, taking cognizance of the capital value required to generate the required level of income and monitor performance of the investments within that policy on a regular basis.

ii)    To approve the investment plan of the endowment Fund.

iii)   To consider expenditure proposal based on the recommendation of the department.

iv)    To ensure that funds received are used in accordance with the proposed investment plan

v)     To ensure that proper financial records are maintained to manage the Endowment Fund and to comply with statutes and regulations.

vi)    To review and approve the Annual Accounts of the Endowment Fund.

vii)   The Board may review on regular basis that Endowment Funds are utilized on following purpose:

a)    Promote awareness and further study of archaeological sites in Sindh.

b)    Registration of all the archaeological sites and artifacts in Sindh.

c)     Scientific analysis of archaeological artifacts through qualified laboratories.

d)    Promote Research and analysis of archaeological artifacts in Sindh.

e)     Work for preservation/conservation, protect, stabilize, repair, restore and maintain the significant archaeological sites and physical heritage.

f)     Provide suitable protection storage facilities for archaeological artifacts.

g)     Hire local students to work on archaeological sites under the supervision of qualified archaeologist.

h)    Develop exhibits, displays and events relating to archaeological and physical heritage in Sindh.

(d)   The Board has held two meetings and decided to workout a legal frame work and mechanism for identifying the areas for utilization of funds and also proper investment of Funds.

*1315. MR. ARIF MUSTAFA JATOI: Will the Minister for Culture & Tourism be pleased to state:-

(a)   Is it a fact that NAPA (National Academy of Performing Arts) is being evicted from the Old Hindu Gymkhana;

(b)   If answer to (a) above is in affirmative, the reasons thereof?

ANSWER

MS. SASSUI PALIJO, Minister for Culture & Tourism:

(a)      Yes. Notice had been issued to management of NAPA for vacating the premises, rented out by Culture Department in 2005.

(b)      The Hindu Gymkhana, situated opposite to Arts Council on M.R. Kiyani Road, Karachi is a protected heritage building declared under Sindh Cultural Heritage Preservation Act 1994. It was built during 1925-1927 under the sponsorship of a philanthropist Seth Ram Gopaldas Goverthandas Mohatta for cultural activities and social gatherings of Hindu Community.

The Hindu Gymkhana building was declared as an Evacuee Property and allotted to Federal Public Service commission in 1961, where it housed its-Offices until 1978. These offices were shifted from Karachi to Islamabad and the possession of building remained with Pak PWD.

In August 1990 the Ministry of Education, Government of Pakistan communicated Prime Minister's orders for transfer of Hindu Gymkhana to the Department of Culture, Government of Sindh for establishment of a Centre of Sindh Arts and Crafts. The building was transferred to the Culture Department and possession was taken over by the department on 19th December, 1993. An scheme for the establishment of college of Arts and Design was approved at a cost of Rs. 19.20 million and included in the Karachi package, but it could not implemented. The Department however taken measures for implemented. The Department however taken measures for restoration of the building.

Later on, in Sept. 2005 in pursuance of the directive of the then President of Pakistan, Hindu Gymkhana was rented out to Mr. Zia Mohiuddin for a period of thirty years for establishment of National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA). An agreement was signed by Mr. Zia Mohiuddin on behalf of NAPA and Secretary Culture on behalf of Government of Sindh on 23rd September 2005. NAPA agreed to pay its. 50,000/- as lease charges per month.

In 2006, NAPA started construction of a theater/auditorium within the premises of Hindu Gymkhana. Since the building was declared as protected heritage under Cultural Heritage Act 1994, NAPA was required to get permission/NOC from Advisory Committee for Cultural Heritage. NAPA instead of seeking permission from Advisory Committee, got NOC from KBCA for purpose of additions and alteration. NAPA in violation of permission of KBCA and the terms & conditions of agreement started new construction.

Of late, the civil society, the members of Hindu Community and culture friendly people have been criticizing on the present use of the Hindu Gymkhana. They are of the view that either Hindu Gymkhana should be restored to its original position for use of social and cultural activities of Hindu community or it should be reverted back to. Department of Culture & Tourism for establishment of Arts and Crafts Centre and a museum.

The National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) -by constructing a Theater/Auditorium within the premises of the Hindu Gymkhana, which has already been declared protected heritage under the Sindh Culture Heritage (Preservation) Act, 1994, has violated the agreement dated 23.9.2005 between Culture Department, Government of Sindh and NAPA. The aforesaid act of NAPA has committed breach of the said agreement on one hand and on other- way has violated the provisions of the Sindh Culture Heritage (Preservation) Act, 1994 on the other.

On the advice of Law Department and in pursuance of clause-8 of the agreement executed between department and NAPA, on 13th Sept. 2008 three months notice was given to NAPA regarding termination of the said agreement dated 23.9.2005.

The management of NAPA has filed a suit No. 1646/08 in High Court of Sindh and obtained order restraining the Culture Department on acting on notice issued on 13.9.2008. Para wise comments in the suit have been filed. Last date of hearing was on 6th March, 2009, when case was adjourned to date in office.

*1422. MR. ARIF MUSTAFA JATOI: Will the Minister for Culture & Tourism be pleased to state:-

(a)    Is it a fact that the plot number 24, RB-10 Robinson Road, Karachi is declared as a “Protected Heritage” site;

(b)    If answer to (a) above is in affirmative, criteria/procedure for declaring a site “Protected”?

ANSWER

MS. SASSUI PALEJO, Minister for Culture & Tourism:

(a)      It is correct that the Plot No. 24 RB-10, Robinson Road, Karachi is declared as protected heritage under Sindh Cultural Heritage (Preservation) Act, 1994.

(b)      Proud nations, having roots in ancient civilization, preserve their heritage with utmost care. Considering the importance of heritage, the Sindh Government enacted the Sindh Cultural (preservation) Act, 1994 to protect and preserve premises and objects of architectural, historical, cultural or national value.

There is no specific criteria/procedure fixed for declaring a site as “Protected”. However, the terms is applicable only to the buildings, structures and objects which are associated with history architecture, archeology and our culture.

*1677. MS. NUSRAT SEHER ABBASI: Will the Minister for Culture & Tourism be pleased to state:-

Details/number of cultural shows and exhibitions sponsored by the Department during the period from 01-08-2008 to 28-02-2009 along with details of expenditure incurred on it?

ANSWER

MS. SASSUI PALIJO, Minister for Culture & Tourism:

The details of cultural activities/exhibitions and other cultural events organized/sponsored by Culture and Tourism Department from the period 1.8.2008 to 28.2.2009 alongwith the details at Annexure, placed on the table of the House.

*1690. SYEDA MARVI RASHDI: Will the Minister for Culture & Tourism be pleased to state:-

(a)   Is it a fact that finaly 130 sites located in the Province have been handed over to Sindh Government by the Federal Government;

(b)   If answer to (a) above is in affirmative, any conditions put by the Federal Government along with up coming projects to conserve and preserve newly handed over archaeological sites?

ANSWER

MS. SASSUI PALIJO, Minister for Culture & Tourism:

On the directive of honouable President of Pakistan, the administrative control of 128 archeological sites and historical monuments declared under the Antiquities Act 1975 have been transferred to Sindh Government.

No. condition has been put by Federal Government while transferring these sites. However, the ownership of these sites would remain with the Federal Government.

In the first phase survey/documentation of these sites would be carried out. After survey priority would fixed for conservation and preservation of these sites.

Karachi:-                                                            HADI BUX BURIRO

the 24^th June, 2009.                                                   Secretary

                                                                   Provincial Assembly of Sindh