Context:
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and various agencies have signed MoUs for monument adoption under Adopt a Heritage 2.0.
- Adopt a Heritage 2.0 Program – Enables different corporate stakeholders to adopt a monument or specific amenities at a monument under the program.
- Launched by –Archeological Survey of India
- Aim – To enhance the amenities at the monuments by utilizing corporate stakeholder CSR funds.
- Term of appointment of stakeholders – Initially a period of 5 years initially, which may be further extended up to 5 years.
- Features –
- Dedicated web portal with URL www.indianheritage.gov.in, which contains details of monuments sought for adoption
- A user-friendly mobile app named ‘Indian Heritage’ to showcase heritage monuments
- Defines amenities sought for different monuments as per Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958.
Adopt a Heritage Scheme:
- Launched in – 2017 on World Tourism Day (27th September)
- Initiative by – Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture, Archaeological Survey of India.
- ‘Monument Mitras’ – Stakeholders (companies from public sector, private sector, corporate citizens, NGOs, individuals) adopting a monument under the program are called Monument Mitras.
- Selected by – ‘Oversight and vision committee,’ co-chaired by the Tourism Secretary and the Culture Secretary.
- The committee also has the power to terminate a memorandum of understanding in case of non-compliance or non-performance.
Other related initiatives:
- Swadesh Darshan Scheme – To develop sustainable and responsible destinations following a tourist & destination centric approach.
- Dekho Apna Desh initiative – To encourage citizens to travel within the country.
- PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive) scheme –
- Launched by – Ministry of Tourism
- Aim – Holistic development of identified pilgrimage destinations.
- Implementing Agency – Identified agencies by the respective State/ Union Territory Government.
- Funding – Ministry of Tourism provides Central Financial Assistance (CFA) to State Governments for promoting tourism at identified destinations.
- It also seeks to involve Public Private Partnership (PPP) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Source: PIB
Previous Year Question
‘Mission Indradhanush’ launched by the Government of India pertains to:
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2016 Prelims]
(a) Immunisation of children and pregnant women
(b) Construction of smart cities across the country
(c) India’s own search for the Earth-like planets in outer space
(d) New Educational Policy
Answer: (a)
