• The actual number of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) employees across its three categories stands at 4,845 against a sanctioned strength of 8,755, Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said in a reply in Lok Sabha on March 10.

• The government was asked for details of the sanctioned and actual strength in the ASI for each group of posts, along with the duration of vacancies.

• The ASI has a sanctioned strength of 8,755 while the actual number of its employees is 4,845. The number of vacancies reported to recruitment agencies stands at 3,203 across its three categories.

• The ministry was also asked for details of the measures being taken to fill the vacancies and their outcome.

• The vacancies in various attached or subordinate offices and autonomous organisations of the Union Ministry of Culture are being filled up by promotion, deputation and direct recruitments. The Departmental Promotion Committee meetings for filling up the vacant posts through promotion are held at regular intervals, subject to fulfilling of eligibility criteria, the minister said.

• Of the total sanctioned strength of 15,276 across various categories associated with the Ministry of Culture, the current number of employees is 8,760.

Archaeological Survey of India

• The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) was established in 1861. 

• It is a premier organisation involved in archaeological activities like exploration, excavation, conducting survey of buildings and temples, epigraphical research, prehistoric archaeology, imparting training in archaeology and publication. 

• It is an attached office of the Ministry of Culture. 

• The organisation is headed by director general. 

• ASI is engaged in protection, preservation and conservation of monuments of national importance, including World Heritage properties and site museums. 

• The ASI has 3,698 monuments under its ambit.

• It administers Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972 and, also the Indian Treasure Trove Act, 1878.

• ASI has now 38 circles (including 1 mini circle at Leh) and six Regional Directorates (located at Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangalore, Guwahati and Bhopal).

• The organisation has a large workforce of trained archaeologists, conservators, epigraphists, and chemists for conducting archaeological research projects through its Circles, museums, excavation branches, Pre-history Branch, Building Survey Project, Temple Survey Project and Underwater Archaeology Wing.

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