Union Budget 2024-25: Boost in Funds for ASI and Cultural Heritage

The Union Budget 2024-25 grants Rs 1,273.91 crore to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), reflecting a notable increase from the previous budget. The ASI is a critical organization in the preservation and conservation of India's heritage sites. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized the dual focus on development ('vikas') and heritage ('virasat'). Additionally, funds were allocated for the enhancement of key cultural sites and the tourism sector.

The Union Budget 2024-25 has allocated Rs 1,273.91 crore to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), marking an increase from the Rs 1,131.08 crore in the previous budget.

The ASI, a 160-year-old institution, is responsible for the protection and conservation of 3,697 centrally protected monuments and archaeological sites in India. This central agency, along with the Ministry of Culture, is hosting the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee in Delhi, which runs from July 21-31 at Bharat Mandapam.

In her Budget speech, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stressed the government's commitment to both 'vikas' (development) and 'virasat' (heritage). The Budget outlay for the culture sector is Rs 3,260.93 crore for 2024-25, slightly lower than the Rs 3,399.65 crore allocated in the previous year. However, the revised estimate for 2023-24 stood at Rs 3,460 crore. Additionally, Rs 188.21 crore has been earmarked for libraries and archives, and Rs 123.72 crore for museums.

Sitharaman also announced government support for the comprehensive development of Vishnupad Temple corridor at Gaya and the Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya in Bihar. Both corridors will be modelled on the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor to transform them into world-class pilgrim and tourist destinations. The Budget outlay for the tourism sector is Rs 2,479.62 crore for 2024-25, up from the revised Rs 1,692.10 crore last year.