There are 3685 centrally protected monuments/ sites under the jurisdiction of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in the country. Conservation, preservation and maintenance of these centrally protected monuments and sites is a continuous process and works are taken up as per the requirement and availability of resources subject to the National Policy for Conservation. Modern tools such as LiDAR mapping, GIS and drone-based surveys are adopted for repair, restoration and structural stabilization works of monument/site as per requirement.

The details of the allocation and expenditure on conservation during the last five years and current financial year on centrally protected monuments and sites in the country is as under: -     

      (Amount in Crores)

Sr. No.	Financial Year	Allocation	Expenditure
1.	2020-21	260.90	260.83
2.	2021-22	270.00	269.57
3.	2022-23	392.71	391.93
4.	2023-24	443.53	443.53
5	2024-25	313.43	313.04

In addition Adopt a heritage 2.0 and National Conservation Fund provide for Public Private Partnerships in order to raise resources beyond the budget for building amenities and conservation work.

ASI provides training to in-service personnel (archaeological and others) from time to time as part of the capacity building measures of ASI. Further, in the past, ASI had organized several short-term training programs/workshops for the ASI personnel and even for that of other universities/institutions/State departments. Such workshops cover subjects like Lithic tools, Epigraphy, Structural & Chemical Conservation, Group-A officers training, Training on RTI Act, GFR, CCS (Conduct) Rules, Vigilance and Disciplinary Proceedings. ASI organises many programmes to promote awareness about the culture and heritage on the occasion of World Heritage Day, World Heritage week etc.

Intangible cultural practices are oral traditions that are preserved and sustained primarily through community and tradition bearers. Ministry of Culture promotes and preserves this intangible cultural heritage through documentation, training, research, financial assistance, and outreach within the available resources.  These measures are aimed at ensuring the continued practice, transmission of India’s living cultural traditions for future generations. SOP for accessing funds by Zonal Cultural Centres from CSR and private sponsorships have been issued to ensure additional resources.

Ministry of Culture promotes Indian Art & Culture abroad through Global Engagement Scheme under which Festivals of India are organized in other countries showcasing folk art and other cultural events as exhibitions, dance, music, theatre, food fest, film fest, yoga etc. Also, Grant-in-aid to Indo-Foreign Friendship Cultural Societies is released for organizing programmes and cultural activities for promotion of Indian Art & Culture in other countries.” Public Private Partnerships are encouraged to leverage expertise and resources for participation in global events to promote and showcase India art and artistes.

The 18 monuments are declared ceased to be of national importance in pursuant to Gazette Notification No. S.O.2974(E), dated 01.07.2025 and Gazette Notification No. S.O. 5178(E), dated 02.12.2024, issued under Section 35 of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. Delisting of monuments do not attract/involve change of land ownership. Therefore, there is no requirement of any policy. Further, in terms of Entry 12 of the State List in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India, ancient and historical monuments and records—other than those declared by or under a law made by Parliament to be of national importance—fall within the responsibility and jurisdiction of the respective State Governments.

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

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M Annadurai

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