Context

• Archaeological Survey of India to Unveil Revamped Website and Sign MoUs for Monuments Adoption under Adopt a Heritage Scheme 2.0.

About Adopt a Heritage Scheme

• Launching: The scheme was launched in 2017 under the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture, ASI, and State/ UTs Government. 
• Objective:  To ensure quality and inclusive provision of amenities through active participation of private and public sector organizations and individuals. 
• Process: The Director-General of ASI may receive voluntary contributions towards the cost of maintaining a protected monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) 1958, Act.

Need For Adopt a Heritage 2.0

• Lack of Awareness: Lack of awareness about the prescribed guidelines
• Infeasibility: Infeasibility of amenities proposed for adopted heritage sites
• Complexity:  Complexity induced by semi-commercial activities at the adopted sit

Key Highlights of Adopt a Heritage 2.0

• Smāraka Sārathī: Any private/ public sector company/ trust/ NGO/ society that has been selected by ASI for the programme (earlier called as monument mitra). 
• Funding of projects: Private and public sector companies shall utilize their CSR fund while others may provide voluntary contribution.
• Flexibility: Either adopt a monument in whole or provide a particular amenity such as drinking water facility, cleaning services, etc. for one or several sites.
•  Four-pronged framework of amenities: Hygiene, Accessibility, Safety, and Knowledge. 
• Term of Appointment: Selected stakeholders have a five-year initial term of appointment that can be extended for an additional five years.
• Application Process: Corporate stakeholders interested in participating in the programme can apply to adopt a monument or specific facilities at a monument using a dedicated web portal with the URL indianheritage.gov.in.
  • The webpage provides detailed information on the monuments available for adoption, including gap analysis and estimated budgetary requirements.
• List of Monuments: The monuments include Qutub Minar, Purana Qila, Uggar Sain’s Baoli, Humanyun’s Tomb, Upper Fort Aguada, Elephanta Caves, Agra Fort, Bhimbetka, Buddhist Stupa, Kailasanatha temple, Group of Temples Khajuraho, Safdarjung Tomb, Group of Monuments, Mamallapuram, Area between Jamali Kamali and Balban’s Tomb Sun temple, Konark.

News Source: PIB