Controversial transfer of archaeologist K. Amarnath Ramakrishna:
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has once again drawn public scrutiny following the controversial transfer of archaeologist K. Amarnath Ramakrishna.
- ASI, under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, is a premier organisation for archaeological research and protection of the tangible heritage of the nation.
- It was established in 1861 by Sir Alexander Cunningham, with its headquarters in New Delhi.
- After independence, it was established as a statutory body under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (AMASR Act).
- The prime concern of ASI is the maintenance of ancient monuments, archaeological sites, and remains of national importance.
- Besides, it regulates all archaeological activities in the country as per the provisions of the AMASR Act.
- It also regulates the Antiquities and Art Treasure Act, 1972.
- The Central Government has declared 3679 monuments and sites as of national importance, and ASI shoulders the responsibility of protecting and maintaining them.
- The organization has a large workforce of trained archaeologists, conservators, epigraphists, architects, and scientists for conducting archaeological research projects through its Circles, Museums, Excavation Branches, Prehistory Branch, Epigraphy Branches, Science Branch,
- Horticulture Branch, Building Survey Project, Temple Survey Projects, and Underwater Archaeology Wing.
