ASI outsource some excavation projects to states and universities

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Last Updated10/09/2024

he Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is planning to outsource a portion of its excavation projects to states and specialised universities as it faces a shortfall in staff and resources to carry out these activities

Facing staff and resource shortages, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is planning to outsource a portion of its excavation projects to state archaeological departments and specialised universities.
This move, unprecedented in the ASI's history, aims to ensure that excavation activities continue despite the limitations it faces.

The ASI will continue to manage major excavation projects directly. However, other excavation projects will be assigned to state departments and universities with established archaeology programs.
These projects will be fully funded by the ASI’s excavation budget, and the ASI will monitor their progress. If significant discoveries or complex issues arise, the ASI will intervene.

While the ASI remains the only authority to approve excavations, universities and state departments must still seek permission before beginning any work. Although the ASI has provided partial grants in the past, this is the first time it will fully outsource projects to external entities.
The ASI will provide funding for these outsourced projects from its annual budget for excavations, with a focus on ensuring timely project completion.

Despite approving numerous excavation proposals annually, many projects remain stalled due to resource constraints. For instance, out of 31 approved sites for 2022-23, several projects—like those in Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Goa—could not commence.
Although the Ministry of Culture allocates a significant portion of its budget to the ASI, only a small fraction is reserved for excavations. A portion of this budget often remains underutilised.

The ASI now aims to increase its focus on excavations and has outlined several key initiatives. In collaboration with universities like Deccan College in Pune and Banaras Hindu University, the ASI plans to explore various historical sites, including those mentioned in ancient texts.
Maritime archaeology, which focuses on underwater explorations, will also be revived. Upcoming projects include excavations in Dwarka, mythological sites in Tamil Nadu’s Cauvery delta, and coastal sites in Maharashtra and Odisha.
The ASI has committed Rs 5 crore towards excavation projects for the current year, with the budget expected to rise to Rs 20 crore next year. Over the next five years, a total of Rs 100 crore will be allocated to excavation efforts.

The ASI plans to undertake several excavation projects in southern India, particularly focusing on the Deccan's rich heritage. Meanwhile, ongoing excavations at Purana Qila in Delhi aim to unearth artefacts potentially dating back to the Mahabharata era.
These digs build on discoveries from a 2017 excavation, which uncovered evidence of the pre-Mauryan period, about 2,500 years ago.