The Ministry of Culture is finalizing the empanelment of over 20 private conservation architects through a Request for Proposal (RFP) that closes on January 12, 2026, allowing corporate donors to directly hire them for core conservation work at protected monuments. This marks the end of the Archaeological Survey of India's (ASI) sole responsibility for such tasks, aiming to speed up projects and build more capacity in heritage preservation amid growing needs for India's vast cultural sites.
What is the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)?
Role and Structure: The ASI is a government body under the Ministry of Culture, set up in 1861 to protect, maintain, and research ancient monuments and archaeological sites across India.
Key Responsibilities: It looks after about 3,700 centrally protected monuments, enforces laws like the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, and the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972, and operates through 37 regional circles with branches for science, horticulture, and underwater archaeology.
Historical Background: Started during British rule by Alexander Cunningham, the ASI has grown to handle excavations, surveys, and conservation, playing a key role in preserving sites like the Taj Mahal and Red Fort.
What is the New Policy on Monument Conservation?
Policy Shift Details: Announced in October 2025 and set for implementation by mid-January 2026, this introduces a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model where private entities can join in core conservation work, ending ASI's monopoly.
How It Works: Donors select from empanelled architects, prepare Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for ASI approval, and hire implementing agencies, all under ASI supervision to maintain standards.
Scope of Work: Covers restoration, structural repairs, and preservation of monuments over 100 years old, going beyond just tourist facilities to the actual core upkeep.
Why is This Change Being Introduced?
Reasons for Reform: Past conservation projects under ASI alone faced delays due to limited capacity and resources, leading to slower timelines that frustrated donors.
Goals and Benefits: The policy aims to speed up work, attract more private funding through CSR, build a larger pool of skilled architects, and ensure projects finish on time while keeping quality high.
Broader Context: India's heritage sites face threats from urbanization, weather, and neglect, so involving private sector helps share the load and bring in fresh expertise.
What is the National Culture Fund (NCF)?
Establishment and Purpose: Created in 1996 with Rs 20 crore from the government, the NCF is a trust that collects donations for heritage projects, using interest from the base fund to support activities.
Funding and Impact: It has raised Rs 140 crore from corporates and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), financing over 100 initiatives like work at Bhuleshwar Temple and Red Fort, with tax benefits encouraging contributions.
Role in the Policy: All private donations for conservation must go through NCF, ensuring transparency and proper use of funds under government oversight.
What is the Adopt a Heritage Scheme?
Original Focus: Launched in 2017, it lets companies and PSUs become 'Monument Mitras' (friends of monuments) to develop tourist amenities such as ticket windows, cafes, toilets, and entry points at sites.
Recent Expansion: The new policy updates it to include core conservation work, allowing private entities to handle actual restoration beyond just facilities.
Examples and Progress: Over 30 entities have joined as Mitras, improving visitor experiences at places like Ranthambore Fort, with the scheme now aiming for deeper involvement in preservation.
How Will the Empanelment and Execution Process Work?
Empanelment Criteria: Architects need proven experience in projects with ASI, state departments, CPWD, or old structures (at least 100 years), with over 20 applications received by January 2026.
Donor Involvement: Donors pick architects, fund via NCF, get DPRs approved by ASI, and monitor progress, with ASI overseeing to ensure norms are followed.
Monitoring and Safeguards: Regular checks by ASI prevent misuse, and the process is limited to qualified agencies to protect heritage integrity.
What are the Benefits and Potential Concerns of Private Sector Involvement?
Benefits: Faster project completion, more funding (like the Rs 140 crore already raised), job creation in heritage fields, and better maintenance of sites, supporting tourism and cultural pride.
Concerns and Checks: Risks include uneven quality or commercialization, but safeguards like ASI approval and adherence to the 2014 conservation policy address these.
Economic Impact: Boosts CSR spending, potentially attracting billions more, and aligns with goals like Atmanirbhar Bharat by building local expertise.
What are Global Examples of Private Involvement in Heritage Conservation?
United Kingdom: The Churches Conservation Trust manages historic sites with private donations and volunteers, focusing on community engagement.
United States: Private foundations and tax incentives fund preservation through organizations like the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Germany and Netherlands: Various foundations handle buildings with private support, emphasizing sustainable practices and public-private ties.
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