New Delhi, Aug. 13 -- India's 3,688 centrally protected monuments are vital to reviving foreign tourist arrivals, yet funding for their upkeep remains volatile. Recent data presented in Parliament by union culture and tourism minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat shows that spending on heritage conservation has fallen off after reaching a peak in FY24.

What do these funding trends reveal about India's conservation priorities and tourism strategy? Mint explains.







While ASI expenditure grew overall from FY22 levels, funding across most major historical circuits peaked in FY24 before experiencing a sharp pullback. Iconic heritage destinations such as Agra (home to the Taj Mahal), Aurangabad (Ajanta and Ellora caves), and Hampi all saw red...