Adopt a Heritage 2.0 Scheme

About Adopt a Heritage 2.0 Scheme

• It seeks to invite corporate stakeholders to enhance amenities at monuments by utilising their CSR funds.
• It is a revamped version of the earlier scheme launched in 2017 and clearly defines the amenities sought for different monuments as per Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (AMASR Act) 1958.
• Interested stakeholders will be able to adopt a monument or specific amenities through a dedicated web portal at www.indian heritage.gov.in.
• The portal will provide them with comprehensive details about the monuments that are available for adoption, including gap analysis, and estimated financial requirements.
• The process for selection will be carried out after due diligence and discussions with various stakeholders and assessing the economic and developmental opportunities at each monument.
• The selected stakeholders will develop, provide and or maintain amenities in hygiene, accessibility, safety and knowledge categories. In doing so, they will get an opportunity to be recognized as a responsible and heritage-friendly entity.
• The term of the appointment will be for a period of five years initially, which may be further extended up to five years.
• Indian Heritage App:
  • It is a user-friendly mobile app which will showcase heritage monuments.
  • The app will feature state-wise details of monuments along with photographs, list of public amenities available, geo-tagged location and feedback mechanism for citizens. 
  • The launch will be in a phased manner, with ticketed monuments launched in Phase I, followed by the remaining monuments.

Key Facts about Adopt a Heritage Scheme:

• It is an initiative of the Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and the Archaeological Survey of India.
• It was launched in September 2017 on World Tourism Day.
• Under it, the government invites entities, including public sector companies, private sector firms, as well as individuals, to develop selected monuments and heritage and tourist sites across India.
• The project aims to encourage these entities to become ‘Monument Mitras’ and take up the responsibility of developing and upgrading the basic and advanced tourist amenities at these sites.
• The corporate sector is expected to use corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds for the upkeep of the site.
• The Monument Mitras, in turn, will get limited visibility on the site premises and on the Incredible India website.

Q1) What is the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)?

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is the premier government organization responsible for the archaeological research, conservation, and preservation of cultural heritage in India. It operates under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. ASI’s primary mandate is to study, protect, and preserve archaeological sites, monuments, and artifacts of historical and cultural significance across the country.

Source: ASI to launch ‘Adopt a Heritage 2.0’ scheme to preserve the country’s rich cultural legacy