The Union Cabinet today approved the proposal to set up a watchdog for over 3,600 ASI-protected monuments in India. The proposal to set up the National Monument Authority, a provision for which is provided in the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment and Validation) Act 2010, was brought before the Cabinet, which was approved.

The Bill, which replaced an ordinance by the Government of India in January 2010, is aimed at strengthening the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958 and was passed in Parliament during the Budget session in April.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who also holds the charge of Culture Ministry, was said to have been keen on passing the Bill and establishing of the Authority.