**Summary:**
In response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 3626, addressed on August 11, 2025, the Ministry of Culture acknowledges the Archaeological Survey of India's (ASI) limitations in solely protecting all heritage sites across India. The government is actively promoting broader participation from state governments, local bodies, and other stakeholders in preserving local heritage. To facilitate this, the government utilizes the National Cultural Fund (NCF) to encourage private participation in conservation efforts. ASI has also established a framework for engaging private and public sector companies through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds to develop and provide amenities at protected monuments. The Adopt a Heritage program 2.0 was revamped and launched on September 4, 2023, by the Union Minister of Culture to enhance visitor experience and improve monument accessibility.
ASI undertakes conservation, maintenance, and amenity provisions (drinking water, toilet blocks, pathways, landscaping, etc.) at nationally important protected monuments and sites, contingent upon fund availability, resource allocation, and adherence to the National Conservation Policy. Upkeep and maintenance are continuous processes.
Key Entities Referenced
Archaeological Survey of India: The primary agency responsible for the protection of nationally important monuments and archaeological sites in India.
SHRI TANUJ PUNIA: Member of Lok Sabha who asked the unstarred question regarding private participation in conservation of heritage sites.
MINISTRY OF CULTURE: The Indian government ministry responsible for the preservation and promotion of art and culture.
SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT: The Minister of Culture and Tourism who answered the question in Lok Sabha.
National Cultural Fund: A fund to encourage private participation in the conservation of protected monuments and sites.
Adopt a Heritage scheme: An initiative by the government to involve private sector companies and individuals in the maintenance and development of heritage sites.
National Conservation Policy: A policy followed by the Archaeological Survey of India for conservation and maintenance works of protected monuments and sites.
Lok Sabha: The lower house of the Parliament of India, where the question regarding heritage site conservation was raised.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CULTURE
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTIONNO.3626
ANSWERED ON 11.08.2025
PRIVATE PARTICIPATION IN CONSERVATION OF HERITAGE SITES
3626. SHRI TANUJ PUNIA:
Will the Minister of CULTUREbe pleased to state:
(a) whether the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has acknowledged that it cannot protect
all heritage sites alone;
(b) if so, the details of the steps taken/being taken by the Government to facilitate greater
private participation in conservation, beyond the underutilised ‘Adopt a Heritage’ scheme;
(c) whether the ASI survey has identified multiple protected monuments in poor condition but
does not provide a timeline for their restoration; and
(d) if so, the details of the mechanisms in place to ensure timely action and the current timeline
for addressing these deteriorating sites?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM
(SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)
(a) The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protects monuments and archaeological sites that
have been declared asof national importance. However, given the vast cultural landscape of
India, state governments, local bodies, and other stakeholders are also encouraged to play a
role in protecting and preserving local heritage.
(b) Conservation of protected monuments and sites is also taken up under scheme of National
Cultural Fund (NCF)to encourage the private participation. Further, ASI has developed a
framework for engaging with the private/public sector companies to develop/provide
amenities at protected monuments through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds.
Revamped version of the “Adopt A Heritage program 2.0” was launched on 04.09.2023 by
Union Minister of Culture to enhance visitor’s experience with a view to make the
monuments visitor friendly.
(c) ASI takes up conservation and maintenance works including provision of amenities like
& drinking water, toilet blocks, pathways and landscaping etc. of protected monuments and
(d)
sites of national importance as per the requirement considering availability of funds and
resources and following the National Conservation Policy. Further, upkeep and
maintenance of the protected monuments and sites is a continuous process.
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