New Delhi: The Archaeological Survey of India has been struggling to get an empanelled printer for its publications. ASI has invited fresh applications as dozens of excavation reports—from Rakhigarhi and Sinauli to Ropar—are waiting to be published.
On 19 June, ASI invited printers in a tender application titled Empanelment of Printers as Service Providers for ASI Publications.
“…invites applications from reputed and experienced printers for empanelment for undertaking high-quality printing of ASI publications for an initial period of one year,” reads the application, accessed by ThePrint.
Last year, ASI cancelled the order of the Kolkata-based printer after several quality issues. Since then, the 165-year-old organisation has been waiting for a printer.
This time, only applicants from Delhi and NCR will be considered.
“Work will be allotted on a need basis by inviting quotations from empaneled printers. Due to the time-bound nature of work, only printers located in Delhi and NCR shall be considered,” reads the application, adding that applicants must pay a non-refundable fee of Rs 15,000.
Also read: ASI isn’t publishing its excavation reports on time. Rakhigarhi to Ropar
Dire need for printers
The unavailability of empanelled printers has delayed the publication of valuable excavation reports such as Sinauli and Rakhigarhi, both iconic sites.
Last year, when the publication division of the ASI raised its requirement for a printer on the government e-marketplace, it got an unavailability certificate.
In the past decades, despite the increasing pace of excavations across the country, ASI has not published reports from these sites and its annual archaeological review.
“The printer is the biggest hindrance for us to publish crucial excavation reports, including the Sinauli excavation report,” Nandini Bhattacharya Sahu, spokesperson and joint director general (monument and publication), ASI, told ThePrint in August 2025.
She gave an example of an excavation report from Odisha which was printed but fell short on quality.
Between 2014 and 2024, the Modi government allocated Rs 9652.01 crore to the ASI, of which Rs 63.27 crore went to excavations.
But most of the excavation reports have not been published yet.
Tough selection criteria
ASI has several conditions for the applicants.
The applicants must possess a valid registration and license to operate a printing press and must be housed in the NCR for ease of coordination with ASI.
“The applicant must demonstrate expertise in high-quality printing and submit recent sample publications bearing imprint,” reads the application.
ASI has a five-point list of expectations from printers including complete in-house printing facilities, design support, round-the-clock availability.
They must also collect and deliver materials at their own cost and maintain strict quality standards.
“ASI may monitor progress and quality at any stage. Unsatisfactory performance may lead to cancellation or penalties,” reads the tender application.
(Edited by Theres Sudeep)