The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has increased the strength of its field offices in states to ensure efficient conservation and upkeep of over thousands of protected monuments. Following the recent completion of the revival of 41 posts and the creation of 758 new posts across various cadres, including conservation and archaeology, more staff was allocated.
Various circles (state-level sub-offices) would benefit from the increased number of field offices, including Hampi, Hampi mini circle, Chennai, Agra, Bhopal, Delhi, Dharwad, Lucknow, Jabalpur, Trichy, Jhansi, Meerut, Raiganj, and Rajkot. A couple of important UNESCO world heritage sites are under the jurisdiction of some of these divisions.
Nearly 140 positions in various cadres were sanctioned for the ASI headquarters, including surveyor officer, drawing officer, draughtsman, photographers, administrative officers, and clerks. Earlier this month, the deputy director (administration) issued an office order. The ASI established seven new circles in August 2020 to improve monument preservation, after which a group of authorities urged that vacant positions be filled. There were 29 circles before.
