Punjab Government has put a Rs 100-crore culture preservation plan on the fast track by signing an MoU with UNESCO to prepare a professional policy for preservation of heritage and culture in Punjab. Geetika Kalha, Principal Secretary, Tourism and Cultural Affairs, and Armoogum Parsuramen, Director, UNESCO, signed the document in New Delhi. Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, who was present at the signing of the MoU, said the ancient silk route and the grand trunk road enriched the state with its rich philosophy, poetry, spirituality, crafts, artistry, music, cuisine and multifold traditions.The state government aims to complete the project within 18 months. Archival heritage has been identified as a major strength of the state and efforts are also being made to preserve and conserve these by adopting modern and scientific techniques. The Government of Punjab on the basis of the recommendations made by UNESCO will engage the consultant.