As monument conservation opens up to pvt sector, ASI's sole mandate ends, Pg9

Key Highlights:

• The Ministry of Culture is opening monument conservation to the private sector, ending the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)'s sole mandate.
• Over 20 private agencies with heritage conservation experience have applied to the Ministry's Request for Proposal (RFP).
• A ministry committee will vet applications after the RFP closes on January 12, with empanelment expected a week later.
• Donors can fund projects through the National Culture Fund (NCF) as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Detailed Insights:

• The move aims to build capacity in the heritage sector, with private agencies working within an ASI-set framework and under its supervision.
• Conservation architects need experience in projects under ASI, state archaeology departments, CPWD, or state PWD, or heritage projects of PSUs, municipal corporations, or private buildings over 100 years old.
• Donors can choose heritage conservation architects, ensuring proper utilization of funds within stipulated timelines, complementing ASI's efforts and creating a national talent pool.
• The NCF, established in 1996 with an initial corpus of Rs 20 crore, has received Rs 140 crore through donations, funding around 100 conservation projects, with 70 completed and 20 ongoing.
• The government previously launched the 'Adopt a Heritage' scheme for corporates and PSUs to become 'Monument Mitras' for amenity creation, but this is the first time private donors can execute core conservation work.
• The ministry has listed 250 monuments needing conservation, but donors can suggest others based on specific criteria.
• Other countries like the UK, US, Germany, and the Netherlands involve the private sector in heritage conservation through trusts, funding, and foundations.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Archaeological Survey of India (ASI): The primary organization in India responsible for archaeological research and the conservation and preservation of cultural monuments.
• National Culture Fund (NCF): A fund established by the Indian government to support the conservation of cultural heritage through public-private partnerships.
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): A self-regulating business model that helps a company be socially accountable to itself, its stakeholders, and the public.