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The Ministry of Culture, in a notification issued, declared its intention to delist 18 protected monuments as they have “ceased to be of national importance.”
The government has evoked Section 35 of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (AMASR Act), which gives it the power to delist ancient and historical monuments or archaeological sites and remains which were earlier declared to be of national importance
Most of these monuments are from the pre-Independence era.
The Kos Minars, for example, were introduced under the rule of Sher Shah Suri
An ancient monument which is declared to be of national importance by or under the AMASR Act passed by Parliament in 1958, is classified as a protected monument.
The Ministry of Culture, through the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), takes care of all the centrally protected monuments of national importance, as well as excavation of historical sites and collection and showcasing art objects of historical and cultural importance.
Apart from maintaining/developing centrally protected monuments, the ASI also takes up other responsibilities like providing drinking water, toilet blocks, facilities for the physically challenged, pathways, cultural notice boards/signage, vehicle parking, and cloak rooms to tourists visiting these monuments.
Section 35 of the AMASR Act allows the central government to delist any ancient and historical monument or archaeological site and remains when it believes that they are not of national importance anymore.
Once the centrally protected monuments are delisted, the ASI and Ministry of Culture will no longer be responsible for their preservation, safeguard, and conservation
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