monument mitra scheme upsc|Monument mitra scheme launch date:The monument mitra scheme was envisioned to provide an enhanced tourism experience and also to ensure quality and inclusive provision of amenities and facilities at heritage sites.As the ‘monument mitra’ (Adopt a Heritage) scheme of the tourism ministry could not yielded desired results, the ministry of culture is ready with its own version the initiative for better maintenance of centrally protected heritage properties, creation of basic amenities and world-class additions like recently launched Sound and Light Show at Delhi’s Red Fort.
According to the officials, preparations for the launch of the scheme are at the final stage for which the ministry will be holding a meeting with corporate and institutions interested in adopting a monument on January 31. The target is to introduce Sound and Light Show along with projection mapping at 500 sites including prominent sites Hampi, Purana Quila, Ajanta, Ellora, Mandu, Kangra Fort and Golconda Fort.
monument mitra scheme
The scheme that entails adopting a heritage site and maintaining it, will be revamped for private firms to partner for the upkeep of 1,000 ASI monuments.The scheme was launched a few years ago under the Ministry of Tourism and recently transferred to the Ministry of Culture, Union Culture Secretary Govind Mohan said.
“Our target is to have MoUs signed with partners for 500 sites under the revamped Monument Mitra scheme by August 15 when the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav ends,” he said.Mr. Mohan added that the revamped scheme would be based on the Corporate Social Responsibilty model and a new website having the names of all the heritage sites, would also be launched.
Corporate entities will take over these monuments as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility. Under the scheme, monument amenities will be revamped by the private sector.The government has set the target to hand over 500 sites under the revamped Monument Mitra Scheme by the end of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav on15 August 2023
What is the Monument Mitra Scheme?
- Monument Mitra’ is the term coined for an entity partnering with the government under the ‘Adopt A Heritage’ project.
- It was launched under the Ministry of Tourism earlier and then transferred to the Ministry of Culture.
- The project aims to develop monuments, heritage and tourist sites across India by inviting corporate entities, public sector companies or individuals to ‘adopt’ them
Pradhan Mantri Apprentice Mela 2023
Monument mitra upsc
This Monument Mitra Scheme had been started some years back under the Ministry of Tourism. Now the Ministry of Tourism has transferred the scheme to the Ministry of Culture in respect of the monuments under the Archaeological Survey of India, the ASI,” said Union Culture Secretary while addressing a press conference.
He also stated that the government will offer around 1,000 monuments across the country to the private sector for their upkeep and maintenance. These companies will revamp these monuments in terms of amenities, experience, tourism, etc.”Our objective is that by August 15, 2023, by the time the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ comes to a close, we should sign about 500 MOU with the private sector for the upkeep of these monuments.
How can Heritage Sites in India be Further Revamped?
- Smart City, Smart Heritage: It is necessary to consider the Heritage Impact Assessment for all large infrastructure projects.
- The Heritage Identification and Conservation Projects need to be adjoined to the city master plans and integrate with the Smart City Initiative.
- Innovative Strategies for Increasing Engagement: The use of monuments that do not attract a large number of visitors and not have cultural/religious sensitivity can serve as venues for cultural and wedding programmes that can fulfil twin objective:
- The promotion of the associated intangible heritage.
- Increasing visitor numbers to such sites.
- Linking Heritage Conservation with Climate Action: Heritage sites can serve as opportunities for climate communication and education, and research on historic sites and practices to understand past responses to changing climate conditions can help adaptation and mitigation planners develop strategies that integrate natural science and cultural heritage.
- For example, coastal and river communities such as the island of Majuli in India have been living with and adapting to changing water levels for centuries.