Central Idea

Private firms, companies, and public sector units can adopt and maintain State-owned archaeological sites or monuments through agreements with the Union Ministry of Culture.
These businesses are referred to as “Monument Mitras” under the ‘Adopt a Heritage’ Scheme.

Adopt a Heritage scheme

The ‘Adopt a Heritage: Apni Dharohar, Apni Pehchaan’ scheme is a collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture, and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Launched in September 2017, it aims to develop selected monuments and heritage sites across India with the participation of public and private entities.
The scheme focuses on providing and maintaining basic amenities, improving accessibility, cleanliness, illumination, and advanced facilities like surveillance systems and night-viewing facilities.

Sites/monuments are selected based on tourist footfall and visibility, and they can be adopted by private and public sector companies and individuals known as “Monument Mitras.”
The Oversight and Vision Committee, co-chaired by the Tourism Secretary and the Culture Secretary, selects the Monument Mitras based on their vision for developing the site.
No financial bid is involved in the selection process, and corporate entities are expected to use their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds for the upkeep of the site.
The adopted sites provide limited visibility to the Monument Mitras on the premises and on the Incredible India website.
The oversight committee has the authority to terminate the memorandum of understanding in case of non-compliance or non-performance.

The government previously formed the National Culture Fund and initiated the ‘Campaign Clean India’ scheme to involve the corporate sector in maintaining tourist sites.
The ‘Adopt a Heritage’ scheme faced controversy when it was reported that Dalmia Bharat, under a MoU, would build infrastructure and maintain the Red Fort.
Critics argued that the involvement of private parties in iconic monuments raised concerns about the preservation of India’s heritage.
The government defended the scheme, stating that it aimed to increase tourist footfall and improve the maintenance of sites.

Diminishing role of ASI: The scheme sidelines the role of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and disregards established guidelines for presenting excavated objects.
Undue commercialization: Allowing businesses to occupy prime public land and build their brands can further diminish the grounds around iconic monuments.
Demographic impacts: The involvement of big businesses in guided tours and illumination of monuments may impact local communities and their livelihoods.
Disregarding historical preservation: Concerns arise about businesses altering the historical character of monuments not protected by the ASI or located in states without Archaeology Directorates.

Businesses can help citizens understand why monuments matter: This can be done by earmarking CSR funds for grants for researching, writing, and publishing high-quality textbooks, and developing imaginative and effective ways of teaching history.
Skillful conservation: Industrial houses can support the meaningful conservation of heritage buildings by looking within through their CSR.
Collaborative efforts: The private sector’s resources and expertise may also help the ASI and State Archaeology Directorates to secure monuments from dams, mining projects, defacement, and looting.
Cultural contribution: By embracing principles of historical preservation, businesses and organizations can showcase India’s progress in safeguarding its pluralistic heritage and inspire citizen participation in this endeavour.

Transparent selection process: Implement a fair and transparent process for selecting entities or Monument Mitras to adopt heritage sites, ensuring accountability and avoiding favoritism.
Robust monitoring mechanism: Develop a strong monitoring system to ensure that the adopted sites are maintained and developed according to the agreed-upon standards and guidelines.
Preservation protocols: Strictly adhere to preservation guidelines set by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and other relevant authorities to protect the historical and cultural integrity of heritage sites.
Engagement with local communities: Involve local communities and stakeholders in decision-making processes, encouraging their participation, ownership, and contribution to the conservation efforts.
Sustainable tourism practices: Promote sustainable tourism practices that minimize the environmental impact, respect the local culture and heritage, and provide socio-economic benefits to the communities living around the heritage sites.