**Executive Summary**
This report details the Ministry of Culture’s preservation efforts for 3,686 centrally protected monuments, including minority heritage and pilgrimage sites, managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). It provides a financial breakdown of allocations and expenditures across various states for the fiscal years 2020-21, 2021-22, and 2022-23. All conservation activities are conducted under the guidelines of the National Policy for Conservation, 2014, with funds provided by the Government of India.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Scope of Jurisdiction**
* The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) manages 3,686 centrally protected monuments and sites nationwide.
* The list of protected sites includes minority heritage sites, places of worship, and pilgrimage destinations.
**Regulatory and Funding Framework**
* Conservation and preservation are regular, ongoing processes.
* Activities are governed by the guidelines set forth in the National Policy for Conservation, 2014.
* Projects are initiated based on the specific requirements of the site and the availability of resources.
* The Government of India provides the necessary funding for the preservation, restoration, and promotion of these monuments.
**Financial Data (2020–2023)**
* The document provides an extensive state-wise breakdown of funds allocated and actual expenditure incurred.
* Data indicates a general increase in budget allocations for most states and circles over the three-year period.
* Specific examples of high-allocation areas include Delhi (reaching 30.50 crores in 2022-23) and the Agra circle in Uttar Pradesh (reaching 21.27 crores in 2022-23).
* In many instances, the expenditure closely matches or equals the allocated budget, indicating high fund utilization.
**Impact Analysis**
**Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)**
**Impact**
The ASI is the primary agency responsible for the physical preservation, restoration, and promotion of the 3,686 protected sites. It must manage various "circles" and "branches" across 25 listed states and Union Territories.
**Action Required**
Implement conservation works according to the National Policy for Conservation, 2014, and manage the deployment of government-allocated funds across all identified heritage sites.
**Ministry of Culture / Union Minister**
**Impact**
The Ministry provides the policy framework and financial resources. It is responsible for parliamentary accountability regarding the status and funding of heritage sites.
**Action Required**
Monitor expenditure and conservation progress to provide written replies and data to the Lok Sabha as required.
**State and Union Territory Authorities**
**Impact**
Various regions (such as Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Delhi) receive federal investment for the development and maintenance of local historical and religious landmarks.
**Action Required**
While the document focuses on federal ASI actions, these regions serve as the locations for development, requiring coordination between central funds and local site management.
Key Entities Referenced
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI): The primary agency under the Ministry of Culture responsible for the preservation, restoration, and promotion of 3,686 centrally protected monuments, including minority heritage and pilgrimage sites.
National Policy for Conservation, 2014: The governing policy document that provides the guidelines for the regular conservation and preservation of centrally protected monuments and sites.
Ministry of Culture: The central government ministry responsible for overseeing the conservation of heritage sites and allocating funds for their preservation.
Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat: The Union Minister for Culture and Tourism who presented the detailed report on funds allocated and expenditure incurred for monument conservation in the Lok Sabha.