Parliament Question: Rationalisation of protected monuments

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.149* ANSWERED ON 12.02.2026 RATIONALISATION OF PROTECTED MONUMENTS *149. DR. FAUZIA KHAN: Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state: (a) the number of monuments currently under central protection by the Archaeological Survey of India, along with the details of those assessed as lacking national significance or distinct architectural or historical value; (b) the plans of Government, if any, for rationalization of centrally protected monuments based on parameters such as national importance, architectural uniqueness and heritage value; and (c) the process and criteria proposed to be followed for such rationalization, including the agencies or expert bodies involved in assessment and review? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT) (a) to (c) A Statement is laid on the table of the House.STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) TO (c) OF RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 149* FOR 12.02.2026.RAISED BY DR.FAUZIA KHAN: HON’BLE MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT REGARDING RATIONALISATION OF PROTECTED MONUMENTS (a) There are 3686 ancient monuments and archaeological sites and remains declared as to of national importance across the country, under the provisions of the Ancient (c) Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (AMASR Act,1958) which are looked after by the Archaeological Survey of India. As per the AMASR Act, 1958; all hold the status of national importance. The declaration of such monuments to be of national importance is a regular process, which is done under section 4 of the AMASR Act, 1958. On decision of the Central Government, a notice is published in Gazette of India about intention of the Central Government to declare any ancient monument or archaeological sites and remains to be of national importance by giving two months’ time, inviting objections/ suggestion from public. After considering the objections/ suggestion received during the specified period, the Central Government may declare the ancient monument or archaeological sites and remains to be of national Importance by publishing a notification in the official Gazette of India. *****