The Adopt a Heritage 2.0 Program was launched to create a framework for engaging with private/public sector companies and NGOs/ Trusts/ Societies, etc. to develop/provide defined amenities at protected monuments to enhance visitors' experience and make them visitor-friendly, through their own funds. No funds are allocated by the Government to such entities for this purpose.

The work of providing amenities is carried out by the partnering entities only with the approval of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and under its close supervision so as to ensure the quality.The list of monuments available for adoption under the Adopt a Heritage 2.0 programme is displayed on a dedicated portal, where interested entities are required to register.

The programme has a provision whereby the proposals received from interested entities are evaluated by an “Approval and Implementation Committee”. The execution of the work is carried out by the partnering entities only when approval is received from the said committee, and the work is executed under close supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Further, under the programme, all revenues generated through semi-commercial activities are required to be deposited in a dedicated account which is utilize to sustain, develop, operate and maintain the adopted monument only. The partnering entities are required to produce on half-yearly basis, a duly audited statement of account for the same.

This information was given by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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Sunil Kumar Tiwari

pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

(Release ID: 2101349) Visitor Counter : 640