**Executive Summary**
This document is an official answer from the Minister of Culture and Tourism to questions raised in Lok Sabha on February 9, 2026, regarding the protection and enforcement of rules for monuments by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). It details the auditing system of ASI, the handling of encroachment cases, the nature of complaints received, and the steps taken to involve the public in heritage preservation.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Auditing of ASI:**
* The Government has a comprehensive system to audit the performance of the ASI.
* Regular audits are conducted by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), internal audit wings, and through specific performance audits.
* **Encroachment and Illegal Construction:**
* Cases of encroachment and illegal construction around protected monuments are reported.
* These cases are addressed through the enforcement of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (AMASR Act) and Rules, 1959.
* The document states there is no laxity on the part of ASI in dealing with encroachment cases.
* **Handling of Complaints:**
* Complaints regarding encroachment are received.
* Such cases are examined and addressed in accordance with the AMASR Act and Rules.
* **Public Involvement:**
* Awareness programs like heritage walks and cultural programs are conducted on various occasions.
* These programs involve exhibitions, lectures, workshops, competitions, and performances for the general public, school, and college students.
* Documentaries on heritage are screened at interpretation centers.
* The "Adopt-A-Heritage" program has been introduced to promote heritage preservation.
**Impact Analysis**
* **Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)**
* **Impact:** The ASI's performance and actions are subject to auditing, legal provisions, and public scrutiny regarding monument protection and rule enforcement.
* **Action Required:** The ASI must continue to adhere to the AMASR Act and Rules, respond to complaints, and implement public awareness programs.
* **General Public, School and College Students**
* **Impact:** The public is encouraged to participate in heritage preservation through awareness programs and the "Adopt-A-Heritage" program.
* **Action Required:** The public is encouraged to participate in awareness programs, provide feedback, and potentially adopt heritage sites.
* **Com. Selvaraj V and Shri Subbarayan K:**
* **Impact:** The questions they raised about monument protection are answered and clarified, and they may take this information for further action.
* **Action Required:** They may ask further questions based on the answers provided or take other legislative or oversight action.
Key Entities Referenced
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI): The primary organization responsible for auditing and protecting monuments.
Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (AMASR Act): The Act used to enforce the protection of monuments and sites.
Ministry of Culture: The ministry responsible for matters relating to culture and monuments.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CULTURE
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTIONNO.1464
ANSWERED ON 09.02.2026
PROTECTION AND ENFORCEMENT OF RULES FOR MONUMENTS
1464. COM. SELVARAJ V:
SHRI SUBBARAYAN K:
Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government has any system to audit the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
in its role to protect monuments;
(b) whether it is a fact that ASI has been lax in preventing encroachers and illegal builders near
major monuments in major cities;
(c) the details of the complaints received on lack of protection and enforcement of rules around
protected monuments; and
(d) the details of the steps proposed to involve the public in such work?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM
(SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)
(a) The Government has a comprehensive system to audit the performance of the
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Regular audits are conducted by the Comptroller and
Auditor General of India (CAG), internal audit wings, and through specific performance
audits.
(b) The cases of encroachment and illegal construction have been reported in and around some
protected monuments and areas (sites), such cases are dealt with through enforcement of the
provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958
(AMASR Act) and Rules, 1959. As such there is no laxity on part of ASI to deal with the
issue.
(c) Complaints regarding encroachment have been received in respect of some protected
monuments and areas (sites). Such cases are examined and dealt with in accordance with
the provisions of the AMASR Act and Rules framed thereunder to ensure protection and
enforcement.
(d) Awareness programmes, such as heritage walks; cultural programmes, etc. are conducted
on various occasions like World Heritage Day, World Heritage Week, International
Museums Day, Republic Day, Independence Day, Gandhi Jayanti and other occasions by
organizing exhibitions, lectures, workshops, competitions, performances etc. involving
general public, school and college students. In addition to this, documentaries on heritage
are screened at interpretation centers for the benefit of general public. Further; Adopt-A-
Heritage program has been introduced to promote heritage and to preserve it for posterity.
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