Conservation work goes on but ASI has no money to pay
The Delhi unit of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which looks after 174 heritage monuments in the Capital, has used up its funds of Rs 5 crore and has no money for conservation work.
The Delhi unit of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which looks after 174 heritage monuments in the Capital, has used up its funds of Rs 5 crore and has no money for conservation work.
ASI's annual budget under the plan head for 2011 to 12 was approximately Rs 5 crore.
Conservation work at various monuments is a major budget head, besides other heads such as wages for workers, new constructions and others.
As per the data obtained from the ministry of culture in September 2011, ASI's Delhi unit was involved in the conservation and preservation of 68 monuments across Delhi this financial year. This is almost double compared to the previous financial year.
Sources, however, said that conservation work was being continued at several monuments, but no payment was being made to contractors.
"So, per se, the work is not being affected," sources said.
Earlier instances show how pending bills have been paid in April, (the first month of the financial year) as soon as funds arrive.
KK Muhammed, ASI's Delhi circle chief, did not respond to HT's calls.
Dr BR Mani, joint director general and national spokesperson, ASI, confirmed, "Yes, they (Delhi circle) have exhausted the amount under the plan head. We will be providing them with additional funds if required."
He, however, refused to elaborate. The situation will further clear up after the different units across submit second supplementary (demands) in January to February.