Lok Sabha Question No. 4059 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-18
Subject: Anthropological Survey of India
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Shri R K Chaudhary

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.4059

TO BE ANSWERED ON 18 TH  AUGUST, 2025

## ANTHROPOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA

## 4059.  SHRI R K CHAUDHARY:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of different research projects ongoing in Anthropological Survey of India (ASI);
- (b) the  effect  of  recent  research  done  by  ASI  of  the  various  sections  of  society,  mainly  on economically  weaker  sections  during  the  last  five  years  and  the  manner  in  which  these researches have benefited us;
- (c) the details and the number of scientist and administrative posts sanctioned and vacant in the Anthropological Survey of India, UR, OBC, SC/ST, Pwd etc., category-wise;
- (d) the details of the various recruitment rules of ASI which are followed during the recruitment process;
- (e) the details of the transfer policy of the Anthropological Survey of India for their employees; and
- (f) the future vision of the Anthropological Survey of India for the next ten years to achieve the goal of developed India?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM (GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

- (a) The details of different ongoing research projects in Anthropological Survey of India are as under :
- i. Gut Microbial Genomic Study among the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) of India.
- ii. Ethnic groups on the inter-state borders of Chhattisgarh, India and their identities, intra and inter ethnic relationships, and development concerns.
- iii. Impact assessment of the Vibrant Village programme in Himalayan border villages with special reference to tourism development.
- iv. Transformative changes in rural India through Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) through a social impact evaluation from an anthropological perspective.
- v. Reconstructing the Impact of Paleo-Climate and drought event of Indus-Saraswati Civilization using stable isotope and ancient DNA analyses.
- vi. Exploring Healthy and Successful Ageing in Smart India (EHSAS) by integrating epigenetics, the digital divide, and energy expenditure with reference to Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML).
- (b)  During  the  last  five  years,  research  done  by  Anthropological  Survey  of  India  has  significantly benefited  various  sections  of  society,  with  a  focus  on  the  economically  weaker  sections.  The Microbe Data Bank initiative supports discovery of drugs and promotes native crop cultivation, aiding public health and farmers' livelihoods. The Vibrant Village Programme has assessed socioeconomic  changes  in  Himalayan  border  areas,  promoting  women's  empowerment,  cultural preservation, tourism, and sustainable development. Through EHSAS, awareness on active ageing has reduced health risks and costs for elderly citizens. The Paleo project has enriched historical knowledge, fostering cultural pride and heritage-based opportunities. The Community Genetics Extension Programme has spread awareness on genetic risks, enabling timely interventions and informed health choices. The study of De-Notified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Communities provides recommendations  for  policy  formulation  and  plans  to  ensure  their inclusion in mainstream society. Overall, these initiatives have advanced health, livelihoods, cultural preservation, and policy inclusion, directly uplifting vulnerable and marginalized communities.
- (c)  The  details  and  the  number  of  scientist  and  administrative  posts  sanctioned  and  vacant  in  the Anthropological Survey of India, UR, OBC, SC/ST, PWD etc., category-wise are as under :

## Scientific :

| Group   | Total Sanctioned Posts                           | Total Vacant Posts                               | Category                                         | Sanctioned Posts                                 | Vacant Posts                                     |
|---------|--------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------|
| Group A | 52                                               | 26                                               | UR                                               | 21                                               | 04                                               |
|         |                                                  |                                                  | OBC                                              | 14                                               | 10                                               |
|         |                                                  |                                                  | SC                                               | 07                                               | 04                                               |
|         |                                                  |                                                  | ST                                               | 03                                               | 01                                               |
|         |                                                  |                                                  | EWS                                              | 05                                               | 05                                               |
|         |                                                  |                                                  | PwD                                              | 02                                               | 02                                               |
| Group B | 37                                               | 07                                               | UR                                               | 17                                               | 02                                               |
|         |                                                  |                                                  | OBC                                              | 09                                               | 01                                               |
|         |                                                  |                                                  | SC                                               | 05                                               | 00                                               |
|         |                                                  |                                                  | ST                                               | 02                                               | 00                                               |
|         |                                                  |                                                  | EWS                                              | 03                                               | 03                                               |
|         |                                                  |                                                  | PwD                                              | 01                                               | 01                                               |
| Group C | There is no Group C post in Scientific Category. | There is no Group C post in Scientific Category. | There is no Group C post in Scientific Category. | There is no Group C post in Scientific Category. | There is no Group C post in Scientific Category. |

## Administrative :

| Group   | Total Sanctioned Posts   | Total Vacant Posts   | Category   |   Sanctioned Posts |   Vacant Posts |
|---------|--------------------------|----------------------|------------|--------------------|----------------|
| Group A | 01                       | 01                   | UR         |                 01 |             01 |
| Group B | 182                      | 88                   | UR         |                 66 |             26 |
|         |                          |                      | OBC        |                 50 |             24 |
|         |                          |                      | SC         |                 27 |             14 |
|         |                          |                      | ST         |                 14 |             07 |
|         |                          |                      | EWS        |                 18 |             15 |
|         |                          |                      | PwD        |                 07 |             02 |
| Group C | 176                      | 73                   | UR         |                 66 |             26 |
|         |                          |                      | OBC        |                 47 |             18 |
|         |                          |                      | SC         |                 26 |             10 |
|         |                          |                      | ST         |                 13 |             06 |
|         |                          |                      | EWS        |                 17 |             10 |
|         |                          |                      | PwD        |                 07 |             03 |

- (d) The Anthropological Survey of India follows the recruitment rules notified for various posts under it. The recruitment process is conducted in accordance with these notified recruitment rules.
- (e)  The  Anthropological  Survey  of  India  follows  the  transfer  policy  approved  by  the  Ministry  of Culture. Employee transfers are carried out in accordance with prescribed guidelines.
- (f) Over the next ten years, the Anthropological Survey of India envisages to align its research with national  policies  and  programmes  to  contribute  to  the  vision  of  a  developed  India.  The  vision includes promoting socio-economic development of marginalized communities through comprehensive  social  impact  and  needs  assessments,  addressing  public  health  concerns  and preserving India's rich tangible and intangible cultural heritage.

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