ASI not working up to the mark: Union Culture Minister

New Delhi

The government today admitted that Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the heritage custodian responsible for maintenance of ancient monuments and archaeological sites, was not “working upto the mark”.

“There is an organisation called ASI. You may say that it is not functioning up to the mark. We believe it,” Union Tourism and Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma said here today.

In its report tabled in Lok Sabha on December 12, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture had observed that “Delhi has already lost hundreds of old monuments to the encroachers and we are perhaps allowing same thing to happen in areas around Qutub Minar as well.”

ASI is head-quartered in Delhi, home to several iconic monuments and heritage sites, including three centrally-protected world heritage sites — Qutub Minar, Red Fort and Humayun’s Tomb.

The minister said, as per the government’s new tourism plan to be launched on December 25, the sector would aim at bringing the youth closer to the country’s heritage and monuments.

Focusing on cleanliness, he said “Our aim is ‘Swachch Bharat, Swachch Smarak'(Clean India. Clean Monuments). We are serious about keeping our monuments and tourits sites clean and hygienic.”

In order to popularise tourism sites and adding new spots, he said “there are many areas which are not yet explored. We want our students should know them and that is why we are planning to introduce a course called ‘Bharat ko Jaano (Know India)’.

Sharma, who also holds the charge for culture ministry, said that his ministry is tying up with the HRD ministry in this regard, where the youth would explore the heritage sites in the country.

“We are starting a special drive in this connection, with children and youth would explore the treasure hunt of the country,” he said.

Govt to launch new tourism action plan on Dec 25: Sharma

A new campaign with a new slogan, besides the ‘Incredible India’, a special drive to bring the youth closer to the country’s monuments and heritage, are part of an action plan that the government will launch on December 25 to attract more tourists while ensuring their safety.

We will be launching an action plan on December 25 with new measures to give boost tourism in the country, Tourism and Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma said on Tuesday.

December 25, birth day of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Madan Mohan Malaviya, is being observed as ‘Good Governance Day’ by the NDA government.

As per the plan, there will be a new campaign, besides ‘Incredible India’, with a new slogan reflecting the Modi government’s good governance philosophy.

Referring to India’s “rich heritage and tourism potential”, Sharma said, “We will combat terrorism with tourism.”

Expressing concern over the security of tourists specially women, he said, if state governments do not protect them the Centre will deploy tourist police for them.

“We want to ensure safety and security of tourists in the country.”

Acknowledging the negative impact of advisory issued by other countries after any incidents here on the tourist sector, Sharma said “these advisories harm us.”

Focusing on cleanliness, he said “Our aim is Swachch Bharat, Swachch Smarak”. We are serious about keeping our monuments and tourits sites clean and hygienic.”

In order to popularise tourism sites and adding new spots, he said “there are many areas which are not yet explored. We want our students should know them and that is why we are planning to introduce a course called ‘Bharat ko Jaano (Know India)’.

Sharma, who also holds the charge for culture ministry, said that his ministry is tying up with the HRD ministry in this regard, where the youth would explore the heritage sites in the country.

“We are starting a special drive in this connection, with children and youth would explore the treasure hunt of the country,” he said.

© Copyright PTI. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of any PTI content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without their prior written consent.