The government on Tuesday issued formal orders regarding winding up of Toshkhana Organization and transfer of its assets and staff to the Culture Department.
“Sanction is hereby accorded to the closure/winding-up of the Jammu and Kashmir Toshkhana Organization,” reads a government order, a copy of which lies with a local news agency, Global News Service (GNS).
The sanctioned posts and incumbent staff of the Toshkhana organization has been transferred to the Culture Department
“All the records and immoveable/moveable assets of the Toshkhana Organization at Jammu/Kashmir are also transferred to the Department of Culture,” the order added.
The ‘Toshkhana’ houses the royal gifts and antique items of the erstwhile Dogra Rulers of Jammu and Kashmir.
In Jammu, the articles of the Toshkhana have been stored at Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex, whereas, the articles in Srinagar have been kept in a locker at Saddar Treasury, Srinagar, according to the government.
The decision to transfer the administrative control of the Toshkhana to the Department of Culture was taken on 13 August by the Administrative Council headed by the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
According to the government, the decision will synchronize its functioning with the Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums under the Department of Culture and citizens will be able to have better information about their heritage. (GNS)
