Heritage – Delhi Archaeology Department Faces Deepening Crisis Over Long Vacancies and Staff Shortage

Heritage – Delhi’s archaeology department is drawing increasing attention over persistent vacancies in senior positions and a shrinking pool of technical experts, raising concerns about the preservation and management of the capital’s historical assets. With several key posts lying vacant for years, administrative decisions and conservation-related work have reportedly been affected across the department.

Leadership Positions Remain Unfilled

According to officials and departmental sources, the posts of Deputy Director and Archaeological Officer have remained vacant for nearly two decades. The prolonged absence of senior leadership has sparked concerns among employees and heritage professionals, who believe that critical decisions involving conservation, restoration, and heritage management require stronger professional oversight.

Department insiders say the lack of experienced archaeological leadership has limited the agency’s ability to independently evaluate projects and provide expert guidance on matters involving Delhi’s historical monuments and archaeological sites.

Technical Workforce Sees Sharp Decline

The department is also facing a significant reduction in technical manpower. Records cited by employees indicate that the agency had six technical specialists in 2021, including professionals such as an archaeological engineer, assistant archaeologist, surveyor, and chemical assistant.

However, the workforce has reportedly shrunk dramatically over the past few years, leaving only one technical expert currently serving within the department. The decline has intensified concerns about the department’s capacity to effectively monitor conservation work and manage archaeological responsibilities.

Recruitment Delays Add to Concerns

Efforts to strengthen staffing levels have progressed slowly. While recruitment processes have been conducted for certain technical positions, selected candidates for Assistant Archaeologist posts are reportedly yet to assume their duties.

Employees argue that delays in appointments have further strained an already understaffed department. At a time when heritage conservation requires specialized expertise, the shortage of qualified personnel continues to remain a major challenge.

Promotion Practices Come Under Scrutiny

Apart from staffing shortages, some recruitment and promotion decisions have also attracted attention. One promotion in particular has become the subject of discussion within departmental circles after a surveyor was elevated to the position of Archaeological Engineer shortly before retirement.

Sources familiar with the matter described the promotion as unusual and claimed that documentation linked to the process is difficult to locate. No official findings or inquiry reports have been made public regarding the issue.

Frequent Administrative Changes Affect Continuity

Over the last three years, the department has reportedly operated under five different Heads of Office and seven Secretaries. Several of these officials were transferred from departments unrelated to archaeology, leading to concerns among staff members about continuity in policy implementation and the availability of subject-specific expertise.

Employees believe that frequent leadership changes can disrupt long-term planning, particularly in areas involving conservation projects and heritage management initiatives that often require sustained oversight.

Contract Professionals Yet to Receive Permanent Roles

Another issue being discussed within the department relates to professionals recruited in 2023 for archaeology and conservation-related work. These specialists continue to work on contractual arrangements despite ongoing shortages of technical personnel.

Sources have questioned why these positions have not yet been converted into permanent roles, arguing that regular appointments could help strengthen the department’s operational capacity and ensure continuity in conservation efforts.

Questions Raised Over Conservation Contracts

Concerns have also emerged regarding the awarding and monitoring of certain conservation contracts. A recent project involving restoration and development work at a Kos Minar monument reportedly went to a newly formed company.

According to sources, official records contained limited information regarding the contractor’s experience in heritage conservation, professional qualifications, and the specific scope of work assigned under the project. No official response has been issued regarding these claims.

Department Acknowledges Staffing Challenges

Responding to concerns over vacancies and manpower shortages, Additional Secretary-cum-Director Lekhraj acknowledged the staffing constraints faced by the department. He stated that three employees were recently granted service extensions to address immediate operational needs.

He also noted that recruitment for other positions is awaiting results from the Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board (DSSSB), adding that the examinations had been conducted before he assumed office in January this year.