**Summary of Government Fund Allocation for Protected Monuments Conservation**
The Ministry of Culture, through a Press Information Bureau (PIB) release dated March 16, 2026, has outlined the financial commitment and regulatory framework for the conservation of protected monuments across India.
**Regulatory Framework and Scope**
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is tasked with the maintenance and conservation of sites protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958. These activities are conducted regularly in accordance with the National Conservation Policy, 2014. Currently, there are 3,686 declared protected monuments and areas nationwide.
The report clarifies that the Shri Rameshwar Devasthan at Dhandarphal in Maharashtra is not currently under the protection of the ASI or the Maharashtra State Archaeology Department.
**Financial Data (2022–2025)**
Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, provided the following figures regarding the allocation and expenditure for conservation efforts over the last three fiscal years:
| Year | Allocation (Rupees in Crores) | Expenditure (Rupees in Crores) |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 2022–23 | 392.71 | 391.93 |
| 2023–24 | 443.53 | 443.53 |
| 2024–25 | 313.43 | 313.04 |
**Contact and Release Information**
* **Source:** PIB Mumbai (Release ID: 2240811)
* **Officials:** Edgar Coelho/Darshana Rane
* **Email:** pibmumbai[at]gmail[dot]com
* **Social Media:** @PIBMumbai (Twitter/X), /PIBMumbai (Facebook), /pibmumbai (Instagram/Koo), /PIBMumbai (YouTube)
Key Entities Referenced
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI): The central agency responsible for the conservation, maintenance, and protection of 3,686 declared monuments and archaeological sites nationwide.
Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958: The primary legal framework under which monuments and archaeological sites are declared as protected and preserved in India.
National Conservation Policy, 2014: The policy document that guides the regular conservation and maintenance activities undertaken by the ASI for protected sites.
Ministry of Culture: The primary government department overseeing the allocation of significant funds and the implementation of heritage conservation policies.
Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat: The Union Minister for Culture and Tourism who presented official expenditure and allocation data regarding monument conservation to the Lok Sabha.
Ministry of Culture
Government allocates significant funds for
conservation of protected monuments
nationwide
Posted On: 16 MAR 2026 5:16PM by PIB Mumbai
Mumbai, 16 March 2026
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) undertakes the conservation and maintenance of
monuments and archaeological sites declared as protected under the provisions of the Ancient
Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. Shri Rameshwar Devasthan at
Dhandarphal in Maharashtra is neither protected by ASI nor by the State Archaeology
Department, Government of Maharashtra. The conservation and maintenance of protected
monuments and protected areas (sites) are carried out by ASI as per requirement, priority and
availability of resources. These activities are undertaken on a regular basis in accordance with
the National Conservation Policy, 2014. At present, 3,686 protected monuments and protected
areas (sites) have been declared across the country under the provisions of the AMASR Act,
1958.
The details of funds allocated and expenditure incurred on conservation and maintenance of
protected monuments and protected areas in the country during the last three years are as
follows:
(Amount Rupees in Crores)
Year Allocation Expenditure
2022–23 392.71 391.93
2023–24 443.53 443.53
2024–25 313.43 313.04
This information was given by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh
Shekhawat in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
* * *
PIB Mumbai | Edgar Coelho/Darshana Rane
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