The Andhra Pradesh government has constituted a new committee to oversee the division of antiquities and heritage objects between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, in accordance with the provisions of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014. The move aims to facilitate the equitable distribution of ancient artefacts currently housed in the Telangana State Museum.

Government orders were issued constituting an eight-member committee to carry out the identification, selection, supervision, and transfer of antiquities belonging to Andhra Pradesh. The committee will coordinate with a corresponding panel from Telangana to ensure a structured and legally compliant division.

The committee will be chaired by Tejaswi Podapati, Chairperson of the Andhra Pradesh Creative and Cultural Commission. The Commissioner of Archaeology and Museums will serve as the Convenor. Other members include retired Professor Vakulabharanam Ramakrishna from the University of Hyderabad, former Director of Archaeology Emani Shivanagi Reddy, retired Deputy Director KSB Keshava, retired Assistant Director B Vasudevachary, and M Yogi Reddy, Joint Secretary in the Andhra Pradesh Finance Department.

According to official sources, the committee will hold joint meetings with the Telangana government’s committee to identify artefacts originating from Andhra Pradesh, oversee their documentation, and facilitate their transfer to the state. Once relocated, the antiquities will be preserved and displayed in museums across Andhra Pradesh in line with conservation norms.

Orders to initiate the next phase of action were issued by Ajay Jain, Special Chief Secretary to the Tourism Department, directing the Commissioner of Archaeology and Museums to proceed with coordination and implementation. Officials said the decision marks a significant step toward resolving long-pending issues related to the division of cultural assets between the two Telugu states, while ensuring the protection and proper custodianship of historically significant artefacts.