No funds for Punjab by Centre: MP Arora

Ludhiana, August 8, 2023: In a shocking reply by Union Minister of Culture, Tourism and Development of North Eastern Region G Kishan Reddy to Sanjeev Arora’s question on conservation of monuments, revealed that in spite Rs.1372.89 Crores allocated by the Ministry across the country from 2018-19 to 2021-22, no funds were allocated to Punjab during these years. However, in the year 2022-23, of the total funds of Rs.391.93 allocated across the country, funds worth Rs.5.83 crore were allocated to Punjab. Of the total amount allocated to Punjab during last financial year (2022-23), expenditure of Rs.5.74 Crores was done.

In the last fiscal (2022-23), maximum funds worth Rs.30 Crore were allocated to Delhi (NCT) of the total allocated funds of Rs.391.93.

Giving this information today, Arora said he had asked about the number of historical and cultural monuments protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Rules Act, 1958 (AMASR) in the country; and the amount allocated, and actual utilization of amount spent on monuments of national importance/ significance in the last 5 years, State/UT-wise. In reply, it was mentioned that there are 3696 ancient monuments and archaeological sites and remains declared as of national importance under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 in the country.

Arora said he had also asked whether the list is updated regularly and whether the government proposes to add monuments from the state list especially from the State of Punjab for conservation, preservation, and development of these sites. In reply, the Minister categorically stated that at present no such proposal from the State of Punjab is under consideration. 

Arora regretted that there was no allocation of funds for Punjab under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Rules Act, 1958 from 2018-19 to 2021-22. It was only last financial year that some amounts of funds were allocated for Punjab, he said, adding that even these funds were “insufficient” compared to what may be required. He urged upon the Centre to release maximum funds to Punjab, which is known for rich culture and heritage and historical sites.

Arora stated that he is going to take up the matter with the Centre along with consultation of State authorities to protect, conserve and develop the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites in Punjab. Also, he would urge Punjab Government to ask for maximum funds, he said.