Executive Summary:
This document is the official response from the Minister of Culture and Tourism to questions raised in Lok Sabha regarding the upkeep of delisted monuments. As of July 21, 2025, there are no proposals with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to delist additional monuments. The central government has recently delisted 18 monuments, and their maintenance now falls under the purview of the respective State Governments.
Key Points / Main Content:
Delisting of Monuments:
* The Central Government has delisted 18 monuments from the list of Protected Monuments.
* The reason for delisting is that these monuments were found to have ceased to be of national importance.
* A list of these monuments, including their locality, district, and state, is provided in the Annexure.
Responsibilities for Upkeep:
* The protection and preservation of monuments, other than those declared as of national importance, is a state subject according to the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution.
* The responsibility for maintenance of the delisted monuments rests with the respective State Governments.
Parliamentary Panel Recommendation:
* A Parliamentary Committee has recommended the government consider forming an independent panel to revisit and reform the criteria for delisting monuments.
* Currently, there is no proposal to amend the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, based on this recommendation.
Impact Analysis:
State Governments:
* Impact: State Governments now have the responsibility for the maintenance of the 18 delisted monuments.
* Action Required: Allocate resources and develop plans for the upkeep and preservation of these monuments within their respective states.
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI):
* Impact: ASI is no longer responsible for the upkeep of the 18 delisted monuments. No changes to existing policy regarding which monuments are of national importance.
* Action Required: No action needed at this time. The ASI should be aware of the Parliamentary Committee's recommendation to revisit delisting criteria for potential future changes.
Parliamentary Committee:
* Impact: The Government acknowledges receipt of the recommendation.
* Action Required: The Committee's recommendation is under consideration, but no action required at this time.
Key Entities Referenced
Archaeological Survey of India: An Indian government agency responsible for archaeological research and the conservation and preservation of cultural monuments in the country.
SHRI K C VENUGOPAL: Member of Parliament who raised a question in Lok Sabha.
SHRI V K SREEKANDAN: Member of Parliament who raised a question in Lok Sabha.
Lok Sabha: The lower house of the Parliament of India.
Ministry of Culture: A ministry of the Government of India responsible for the preservation and promotion of art and culture of India.
Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958: An act of the Parliament of India to provide for the preservation of ancient and historical monuments and archaeological sites and remains of national importance.
Delhi NCT: National Capital Territory of Delhi.
Haryana: A state in India.