ASI protecting 3680 monuments, sites as on date, says minister

Union Minister of State for Culture (Independent Charge), Dr. Mahesh Sharma, has in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, said that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has 3680 monuments and archaeological sites under its protection, and added that 521 technical personnel have been employed only for preservation and conservation work.

Emphatically stating that no monument of National importance has been neglected for want of adequate skilled manpower, the minister, however, revealed that the sanctioned strength of the ASI was 8434, and added that 2424 posts continue to remain vacant.

"Conservation work of the protected monuments is a continuous process. The annual maintenance and upkeep work is attended regularly of all protected monuments whereas special repair works are attended on selected monuments as per the requirement of the different sites and availability of resources. Monuments of National importance are protected, preserved and conserved adequately by the existing skilled manpower and technical staff at the disposal of ASI," Sharma said.