The staffing in ASI’s Excavation Branches is addressed through regular filling up of sanctioned posts as per the Recruitment Rules, including recruitment through Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and Staff Selection Commission (SSC) and promotion of eligible officers from feeder grades. During the last one year, the number of staff posted in the Excavation Branches has increased from 86 to 102. Further, rational deployment of available manpower is undertaken based on operational requirements of ongoing excavation projects. Capacity-building of field staff is carried out through internal training programmes from time to time.

Archaeological Survey of India has given 24 permissions for excavation/exploration till December, 2025 in the current financial year. Preparation of the technical report is an integral part of every excavation which is to be submitted after its completion.

 Academic and Archaeological collaborations are of different nature the durations of which are duly examined by concerned branches for implementation.

 Modern technology such as LiDAR, GIS, drones etc. are being used for study and documentation of ancient monuments and archaeological sites, including mapping. These technologies are being utilised as per the requirement and availability of resources. 

The encroachments in the protected monuments and protected areas are removed as per the provisions contained in the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 and Rules framed thereunder. In order to contain the encroachments and remove them, the Superintending Archaeologist in-charge of the Circles have been vested with the powers of an Estate Officer to issue eviction notices / orders under Public Premised (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971. They are also authorised to issue show cause notices under the provisions of Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 and Rules 1959. Assistance in containing and removing encroachments is also sought from the respective State Government / police authorities from time to time. Further, in addition to the regular watch and ward staff, private security personnel and CISF have also been deployed for the safety and security of selected monuments / sites across the country.

This information was given by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

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M Annadurai

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