This is an answer given in LOK SABHA on 02.02.2026, to the unstarred question number 422 raised by SHRI T R BAALU regarding restoration of temples. The Minister of Culture confirmed that there are 412 centrally protected monuments/sites, including temples, under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in Tamil Nadu. The conservation and preservation of these monuments/sites is an ongoing process based on requirements and resource availability, following the National Policy for Conservation. All monuments/sites are in a good state of preservation, and the government provides sufficient funds for their conservation within the ASI's jurisdiction in Tamil Nadu. However, there is currently no scheme under consideration for the restoration of temples. The Minister of Culture and Tourism providing the answer is SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Culture: The ministry responsible for questions and answers related to restoration of architectural grandeur of temples.
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI): The agency under whose jurisdiction centrally protected monuments/sites including temples are present in Tamil Nadu.
Tamil Nadu: The state where the temples in question are located.
National Policy for Conservation: A policy that determines the conservation and preservation of monuments and sites.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CULTURE
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.422
TO BE ANSWERED ON 02.02.2026
RESTORATION OF ARCHITECTURAL GRANDEUR OF TEMPLES
422. SHRI T R BAALU:
Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government is aware that in Tamil Nadu, the lands with nearly four lakh
temples including hundreds of them are over 1000 years old are languishing due to lack
of adequate funds for maintenance;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government is likely to implement a Central Scheme through the State
Government to restore the architectural grandeur of such cultural heritage and
treasures; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM
(SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)
(a) There are 412 centrally protected monuments/sites including temples under the
& jurisdiction of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in the State of Tamil Nadu.
(b)
Conservation and preservation of these monuments/sites is continuous process and is
taken up as per the requirement and availability of resources subject to the National
Policy for Conservation. All monuments/sites are in a good state of preservation.
Government provides sufficient funds for conservation and preservation of all centrally
protected monuments/sites which are under the jurisdiction of ASI in the State of Tamil
Nadu.
(c) At present, there is no such scheme under consideration.
&
(d)
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