The Ministry of Culture has announced 7 new circles of Archaeological Survey of India.
Earlier there were 29 ASI circles across the country.
Its Aim is facilitate and strengthen the process of preservation and registration of archaeological monuments along with registration of artefacts with self-declaration.
New circles created in Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh), Trichy (Tamil Nadu), Meerut, Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh), Hampi (Karnataka), Raiganj (West Bengal) and Rajkot (Gujarat).
The Hampi Mini Circle (Hampi city in Karnataka) has been converted into a full-fledged circle.
The ASI is the premier organization for archaeological research and protection of the cultural heritage of the nation.
It is under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture.
It regulates all archaeological activities as per provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.
It also regulates Antiquities and Art Treasure Act, 1972.
