The Centre on Thursday said the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is working on projects to upgrade and refurbish three prime museums associated with the footprints of the Buddha in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

Union Culture Minister G Kishan Reddy said this in a written response to a query in the Rajya Sabha.

“The Ministry of Culture has taken necessary steps to achieve its mandate i.e preservation and conservation of cultural heritage and promotion of tangible and intangible art and culture through its attached, subordinate and autonomous organisations,” Reddy said.

“The Archaeological Survey of India is working on projects to upgrade and refurbish three prime museums associated with the footprints of the Buddha, i.e. at Bodh Gaya (Enlightenment), Sarnath (First Sermon), and Nalanda (Ancient University),” the Minister added.

He was asked about the steps taken by the government to preserve and promote Indian culture during the last three years.