Comprehensively review maintenance standards at UNESCO sites: Parliamentary panel to govt
The ASI has been allocated ₹1,235.78 crore for 2026-27, constituting 36.17% of the Ministry’s total allocation, the report said
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Context
A Parliamentary Standing Committee has recommended a comprehensive review of maintenance and facilities at all of India's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The report, submitted to the , calls for a time-bound revamp plan and a five-year strategy to nominate at least 10 new sites. This move comes as India's portfolio of sites has grown to 44, ranking sixth globally, increasing the nation's obligation to uphold international conservation standards.
UPSC Perspectives
Governance & Polity
This article exemplifies the crucial role of parliamentary oversight in governance. Parliamentary Committees are established under constitutional provisions like [Article 118] and act as mini-parliaments to scrutinize the executive's functioning in detail. The is exercising its oversight function by examining the 'Demands for Grants' of the . Its recommendations, while not legally binding, carry significant weight and are a mechanism to ensure accountability. The committee's critique of budget utilization by the and the call for a formal nomination strategy are direct checks on the ministry's performance and long-term planning, ensuring that executive actions align with national interests and international commitments.
Cultural Heritage & Conservation
The report highlights the dual challenge of expanding and preserving India's cultural heritage. Having 44 [UNESCO World Heritage Sites] is a matter of prestige but also a significant responsibility under the of 1972. This convention obligates signatory nations to maintain the 'Outstanding Universal Value' of their sites. The panel's recommendations for a comprehensive review of maintenance and a structured nomination strategy are essential for fulfilling these obligations. The primary body for this work in India is the [Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)], which operates under the [Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958] (AMASR Act). This act governs the preservation and protection of monuments of national importance. The panel's recommendations to potentially amend the AMASR Act to allow for flexible buffer zones and reinvestment of ticketing revenue signal a push towards more dynamic and sustainable conservation practices.
Economic & Tourism
Well-maintained heritage sites are powerful drivers of economic growth and soft power. The committee's emphasis on upgrading "visitor facilities" and "infrastructure" underscores the link between conservation and tourism. Improved amenities enhance the visitor experience, which can boost tourism revenue, create local employment, and stimulate regional development. This aligns with government initiatives like the PRASAD scheme, aimed at integrated development of pilgrimage and heritage destinations. Furthermore, a strategic approach to nominations, as recommended by the panel, is also an economic strategy. Each new inscription on the UNESCO list enhances a site's international visibility, attracting global tourists and investment, thereby integrating India's rich history into its future economic landscape.