**Summary:**
In response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 127, dated July 21, 2025, regarding the upkeep of protected monuments in Assam, the Ministry of Culture clarifies the following:
a. The Ministry of Culture has no information indicating neglect of 167 State-protected monuments in Assam, including Charaideo Moidams, due to non-payment of staff salaries.
b. No request for assistance has been received from the Government of Assam or its Directorate of Archaeology regarding this matter.
c & d. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) manages a portion of the Charaideo Moidams (a UNESCO World Heritage property), specifically Group e of Moidams, covering approximately 188,616 sq. meters. These sections are maintained in presentable condition. The remaining portions of the Charaideo Moidams are managed by the Directorate of Archaeology, Government of Assam.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Culture: A ministry within the Government of India responsible for culture.
SHRI GAURAV GOGOI: Member of Parliament who raised the question about upkeep of protected monuments in Assam.
Assam: A state in India where 167 State-protected monuments, including Charaideo Moidams, are located.
Charaideo Moidams: A group of royal burial mounds in Assam, some of which are under consideration for UNESCO World Heritage status.
Directorate of Archaeology, Government of Assam: The department of the Government of Assam responsible for managing and preserving archaeological sites and monuments.
SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT: The Minister of Culture and Tourism who answered the question in the Lok Sabha.
UNESCO: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Charaideo Moidams has been nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status.
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI): An Indian government agency responsible for archaeological research and the conservation and preservation of cultural monuments in India.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CULTURE
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.127
ANSWERED ON 21.07.2025
UPKEEP OF PROTECTED MONUMENTS IN ASSAM
127. SHRI GAURAV GOGOI:
Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government is aware that 167 State-protected monuments in Assam,
including Charaideo Moidams are being neglected due to non-payment of staff
salaries and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether any request for assistance has been received from the Government of
Assam or its Directorate of Archaeology;
(c) if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether the Government plans to extend Central support for the upkeep of these
monuments, especially in light of Charaideo Moidams’ UNESCO nomination; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM
(SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)
(a) No such details are available are with Ministry of Culture.
(b) No such request has been received.
&
(c)
(d) Part of the Charaideo Moidams, a UNESCO World Heritage property, falls under
& the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), specifically the Group
(e)
of Moidams covering an area of approximately 188,616 sq. meters. The remaining
portions are managed by the Directorate of Archaeology, Government of Assam.
The sections maintained by the ASI are well and kept in a presentable condition.
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