Introduction

  The department of Archaeology and Museums came into existence in the shape of a cell under
  the Control of  Education department in the  year 1969 and as an independent department in 
  the  year 1972 with a small staff and meager budget.

  The nature of  functioning of  this  department  is  technical. It  conducts archaeological 
  excavation and explorations, protection and conservation  of Proto-historical, medieval and 
  historical monuments, sites and remains from the research point of view on the one hand and 
  publishes research  reports  of excavated sitesand explorations of the districts, booklets,
  folders  etc  and  organizes exhibitions  including  other museum activities  and prepares 
  replicas of ancient sculptures for sale to acquaint researches and general public with their 
  rich ancient heritage on the other.

  The functions and activities of  the department are regulated under the following State and 
  Central Acts and Rules framed therin:-

  (i)	The Punjab ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains 
	Act-1964 (State Act)
  (ii)	The Antiquities and Art Treasures Act 1972 (Central Act)
  (iii)	The Indian Treasures Trave Act- 1878(Central Act)
  (iv)	The Ancient and Historical Monuments ans Archaeological Sites  and  Reamains 
	Act-1958(Central Act)
  At present, most of the Staff (Annexure-A) of the department is on Non Plan side with a few 
  exceptions  on plan side. The budget provision for the year 2004-2005 of this department is 
  Rs. 78.25 Lakh  on  Non-Plan  and  Rs. 23.29 Lakh  on  plan  side (Annexure-'B') under the 
  following plan scheme:-

  (i)	Archaeological Excavation/ Exploration programme.
  (ii)	Protection/ preservation and Development of Ancient Monuments/ sites.
  (iii)	Publication/ Publicity programs.
  (iv)	Preparation of Plaster Casts Ancient sculptures/ antiquites.
  (v)	Setting up of Zonal Museum.
  (vi)	Setting up of State Archaeological Meseum.
  (vii)	Implementation of Antiquities and Art Treasures Act-1972 (100% Centrally sponsored Scheme)