Experts speaking at the 106th National Convention of the Indian Numismatic Society recently advocated for the removal or stark reduction of customs duty on the overseas repatriation of artefacts and other cultural and heritage-oriented articles. The assertions come amidst numerous calls for implementing measures that would preserve India’s cultural legacy.
The convention at Mathura was organized by the Uttar Pradesh State Archaeology Department with numerous eminent personalities within the industry in attendance. Chairman of the Indian Numismatic Society, D Rajareddy, being one of the speakers reiterated the need for active legislative measures to facilitate the reduction of duty on repatriated articles.
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Farukh S Todiwala, one of the members of the Numismatic Society and president of the Mumbai Coin Society, criticized the Indian Government’s levy of 33 percent customs duty while importing the articles that had been seized from India ages ago. Todiwala drew comparisons to the legislation in countries such as the UK and US who provide absolute waivers of duty on repatriation while encouraging and honouring the individuals involved in the repatriation efforts.
“If the government takes up such initiatives itself, it is seen as a matter of national pride and is widely publicised. However, when private individuals go the extra mile and pay hefty sums to retrieve Indian cultural artefacts, they face both financial burdens and harassment from customs officials regarding the valuation of these items” remarked Todiwala.
Addressing the audience, Farukh S Todiwala recounted discussing the issue with members of the Prime Minister’s Office who shunned the request while asserting that private individuals also often trade in these artefacts, warranting such extensive customs duty.
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Amit Kumar Upadhyay, Associate Professor at Banaras Hindu University and Joint Secretary of the Indian Numismatic Society spoke on behalf of ardent collectors who are slapped with heavy costs disguised in the form of customs duties while they seek to grip remnants of India’s glorious past.
Upadhyay assured the attendees that extensive efforts are underway to urge the Government to consider tax reduction incentives even if a full tax exemption may not be possible.
The colloquy occurred alongside a symposium titled “Unveiling Northern India’s History, Religion, Art, and Culture Through Coinage” which was attended by numerous subject matter experts and enthusiasts from across the country.
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