The Department of Culture has begun reviewing antique inventory in dzongs, monasteries, temples and private houses in the country.
A team of officials from the department began the exercise from Toedwang Gewog in Punakha. Almost three gewogs have been covered so far.
A detailed report will submitted to the dzongkhag administration for necessary action after the completion of the review.
“We will review and maintain the inventory of private choekhangs as well. Of course, it’s their private property but it is important for the country as well,” Phendey Lekshey Wangchuk, a Chief Cultural Property Officer with the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs, said.
Officials said if any antiques are found missing, concerned individuals would face legal consequences.
“If antiques are found missing, lost or misplaced, the matter will be forwarded to the police for investigation,” Phendey Lekshey Wangchuk said.
“As for non-antiques, we will give the individuals three to six months to either recover the missing items or replace them or they would risk facing prosecution.”
The Department of Culture intends to cover ten districts in the 12th Five Year Plan.
The antique inventory system in the country was initiated in 1982 to preserve and protect antiques from theft and illegal sale.
The ongoing review is expected to help put in place a proper antique inventory system.
