Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 130, answered on 01.12.2025, addresses excavation and conservation efforts in Nalanda. Shri Kaushalendra Kumar asked whether the Government is providing adequate funds to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for archaeological excavations and conservation work in Nalanda, and if the Government has formed a team of experienced archaeologists, draftsman, surveyors, and cinematographer. Further, the question included whether the involvement of local communities will provide employment and enable participation in heritage preservation, and whether Nalanda can be developed as a major tourist destination. The Minister of Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, confirmed that the Government provides adequate funds to ASI for archaeological excavations and conservation work in Nalanda. ASI has a well-experienced team for excavation and conservation work, and the involvement of local communities in excavations and conservation work provides employment and enables participation in the preservation of their heritage. Nalanda is a major tourist destination through ongoing conservation work and archaeological excavations and has been a World Heritage site since 2010.
Key Entities Referenced
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI): The primary agency receiving funds and resources for archaeological excavations and conservation work, as stated in the question.
Nalanda: Location of archaeological excavations and conservation work; development as a tourist destination.
Ministry of Culture: The ministry answering questions related to excavation and conservation efforts in Nalanda.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CULTURE
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 130
ANSWERED ON-01.12.2025
EXCAVATION AND CONSERVATION IN NALANDA
✝130. SHRI KAUSHALENDRA KUMAR:
Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government is providing adequate funds and resources to the Archaeological
Survey of India (ASI) for archaeological excavations and conservation work in Nalanda;
(b) whether the Government has formed a team of experienced archaeologists, draftsman,
surveyors and cinematographer for the said works;
(c) whether it is a fact that involvement of local communities in the said works will provide
employment to local people alongwith enabling them to participate in the preservation of their
heritage;
(d) whether Nalanda can be developed as a major tourist destination through these archaeological
excavation and conservation works for preservation of archaeological sites; and
(e) if so, the details thereof, and if not, the reason therefor?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM
(SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)
(a) Yes sir, Government is providing adequate funds and resources to the Archaeological Survey
of India (ASI) for archaeological excavations and conservation work in Nalanda.
(b) Yes sir, ASI has a well experienced team for excavation and conservation work.
(c) Yes sir, the involvement of local communities in excavations and conservation work provide
employment to local people alongwith enabling them to participate in the preservation of their
heritage.
(d) and(e) Nalanda is a major tourist destination through ongoing conservation work and
archaeological excavations. Nalanda is a world heritage site since 2010.
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