CULTURAL HERITAGE AND TOURISM IN LESSER-KNOWN DESTINATIONS

The Ministry of Culture notes that 3,688 centrally protected monuments/sites are under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which carries out conservation as per the National Conservation Policy and provides visitor amenities such as pathways, signage, drinking water, toilets, benches, cultural notice boards and site museums where feasible. ASI also promotes heritage awareness through digital initiatives, cultural programmes, exhibitions, outreach activities and events like World Heritage Day and World Heritage Week, and conducts seminars and workshops for students and scholars. The Ministry of Tourism supports cultural and heritage tourism, especially at lesser‑known destinations, through promotional events, digital campaigns on social media and the Incredible India portal, and regional stakeholder engagements under the ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ initiative. Funds allocated and spent on conservation over the last five years are detailed in Annexure‑I, as disclosed by Union Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in the Rajya Sabha.