Bhaskar Verma ICAS extension as Member Secretary- National Monuments Authority
Shri Bhaskar Verma ICAS (1995) presently Member Secretary- National Monuments Authority (NMA), Ministry of Culture has been given extension of central deputation tenure for a period of one year beyond 31.05.2026 by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.
The position of Member Secretary in the National Monuments Authority is a key executive role responsible for the administration and regulatory functions of the Authority, which operates under the Ministry of Culture. The Member Secretary acts as the principal coordinator, ensuring the effective implementation of policies related to the protection and preservation of monuments and heritage sites across the country.
A central responsibility of the role is to oversee the regulation of construction and development activities in prohibited and regulated areas surrounding centrally protected monuments, in accordance with statutory provisions. The Member Secretary facilitates decision-making by coordinating between the Authority, the Archaeological Survey of India, state governments, and other stakeholders.
The role also involves processing applications, ensuring compliance with heritage norms, and supporting the Authority in framing guidelines that balance conservation with development needs. Administrative oversight, financial management, and institutional coordination form key aspects of the position.
The National Monuments Authority, functioning under the Ministry of Culture, was established in accordance with the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment and Validation) Act, 2010, enacted in March 2010. The creation of the Authority marked a significant step toward strengthening the legal and institutional framework for the protection and preservation of India’s rich cultural heritage, particularly its centrally protected monuments and archaeological sites.
The NMA has been entrusted with a range of responsibilities aimed at safeguarding monuments through effective regulation and management of areas surrounding them. A key aspect of its mandate is the oversight of “prohibited” and “regulated” zones around centrally protected monuments. These zones are critical in ensuring that any activity in the vicinity does not adversely impact the structural integrity, historical value, or visual sanctity of such heritage sites. Among its important functions, the Authority is responsible for examining and granting permissions for construction-related activities within these designated areas, subject to strict scrutiny and compliance with established norms.
In the context of rapid urbanization, expanding infrastructure, and rising population pressures, the demand for land—especially in urban and semi-urban regions—has increased substantially. This has inevitably led to mounting pressure on land parcels located near protected monuments. Unregulated or poorly planned development in such areas can pose serious risks to heritage structures, including physical damage, environmental degradation, and loss of historical context. Recognizing these challenges, the regulatory framework seeks to strike a careful balance between facilitating development and ensuring the long-term conservation of monuments.
The 2010 amendment to the AMASR Act introduced a more structured and transparent mechanism to address these concerns. It led to the formal establishment of the NMA as well as the designation of Competent Authorities (CAs). Under this revised system, any individual or entity seeking permission for construction, repair, or renovation within prohibited or regulated areas must submit their application to the Competent Authority. These applications are then examined and forwarded to the NMA for detailed consideration and decision-making. This multi-tiered process ensures greater accountability, technical scrutiny, and adherence to conservation principles.
Several important provisions were introduced through the 2010 amendment to strengthen heritage protection. One of the most significant changes was the statutory definition and demarcation of “prohibited” and “regulated” areas around centrally protected monuments. Typically, the prohibited area extends up to 100 meters from the protected limits of a monument, within which construction activities are strictly prohibited, except in exceptional cases as defined by law. Beyond this, a regulated area—extending up to 200 meters—permits certain activities, but only after due approval and compliance with prescribed guidelines.
Another key reform was the imposition of a near-complete ban on construction within the prohibited zone, reinforcing the importance of maintaining an undisturbed buffer around heritage structures. Additionally, the Act introduced well-defined statutory procedures for processing applications related to construction, repair, and renovation. This has brought greater clarity and uniformity to the approval process, reducing ambiguity and ensuring that decisions are made based on objective criteria.
The Authority is also tasked with the preparation, scrutiny, and approval of Heritage Bye-Laws for each protected monument. These bye-laws are crucial documents that outline site-specific guidelines for conservation, permissible activities, and development controls. Importantly, the process of finalizing these bye-laws includes inviting objections and suggestions from the public, thereby incorporating participatory governance and stakeholder engagement into heritage management.
Furthermore, the amendment provided for the grading and classification of monuments, enabling a more nuanced approach to conservation based on the historical, architectural, and cultural significance of each site. This allows for differentiated levels of protection and management strategies tailored to the specific needs of individual monuments.
In terms of its composition, the NMA is structured to include a Chairperson, up to five full-time members, and up to five part-time members, along with a Member Secretary who oversees administrative functions. The Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India serves as an ex officio member, ensuring close coordination between the Authority and the country’s premier archaeological body.
Overall, the establishment and functioning of the National Monuments Authority represent a significant evolution in India’s heritage governance framework. By integrating legal provisions, administrative processes, and public participation, the NMA plays a vital role in preserving the nation’s cultural legacy while accommodating the demands of modern development.
Widely regarded in Indian Bureaucracy circles, the Member Secretary, NMA, plays a crucial role in safeguarding India’s rich cultural heritage while enabling sustainable urban and infrastructure development around protected monuments.
Indian Bureaucracy News wishes Shri Bhaskar Verma the very best.