The
Minister of Culture Smt. Chandresh Kumari Katoch has said that there is no
provision under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act,
1958 and Rules, 1959 to declare or recognize Cultural Heritage Centres and heritage spots. However, as per section 4 of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites
and Remains Act, 1958, ancient monuments or archaeological sites and remains,
as the case may be, which are of historical, archaeological or artistic
interest, and have been in existence for not less than 100 years, may be
declared by the Central Government as of national importance. 3678 monuments/sites have been
declared as of national importance in the country. A State-wise abstract is at Annexure-I. Protected monuments/sites under ASI are
conserved, preserved and maintained by way of structural repairs on need basis,
as per archaeological norms, subject to availability of resources. These centrally protected monuments/sites
are in a fairly good state of preservation. Since the
ancient and historical monuments, archaeological sites and remains other than
those declared to be of national importance fall in the State List of the
Constitution, the ancient and historical monuments are also protected by the
State Governments under their respective Acts and are conserved and maintained
through their Departments of Archaeology. The State-wise expenditure incurred
for conservation, preservation and maintenance of the ancient monuments/sites
declared as of national importance under the Ancient Monuments and
Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 during the last three years is at Annexure-II. <br><br>
In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today Smt.
Katoch said, recognising that States have specific
issues and local needs, the XIII Finance Commission has recommended a quantum
of grants amounting to Rs. 1454.00 crore to 21 States for the development of
Heritage and Culture for the period 2011-2015.
The details on release of grants to the States are at Annexure-III. <br><br>
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for Annexures
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