Daily Current Affairs : 1-September-2023

In recent news, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is set to launch the Adopt a Heritage 2.0 program, a significant development under the larger initiative called ‘Adopt a Heritage: Apni Dharohar, Apni Pehchaan.’ This program, initiated in 2017 by the Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and ASI, aims to rejuvenate India’s historical monuments and heritage sites. Let’s delve deeper into the details of this innovative scheme and understand its significance.

Understanding ‘Adopt a Heritage’

The ‘Adopt a Heritage’ program is a visionary undertaking that seeks to bridge the gap between preserving India’s rich cultural heritage and promoting tourism. It invites a diverse range of stakeholders, including public sector companies, private firms, and individuals, to take responsibility for the development and upkeep of selected monuments and tourist sites throughout the country.

Enhancing Tourist Sites

Under the program, adopting a heritage site involves a comprehensive development plan that includes providing and maintaining various amenities to enhance the overall visitor experience. These amenities encompass:

  1. Basic Necessities: Ensuring access to clean drinking water.
  2. Accessibility: Creating facilities that cater to differently-abled individuals and senior citizens to make these sites inclusive.
  3. Information and Guidance: Installing standardized signage for easy navigation.
  4. Cleanliness: Maintaining a high level of cleanliness and hygiene.
  5. Public Convenience: Providing clean and functional restrooms.
  6. Illumination: Ensuring proper lighting for both safety and aesthetic purposes.
  7. Surveillance: Implementing security systems for the protection of the site.
  8. Night Viewing: Offering night-viewing facilities to showcase the site’s beauty after dark.
  9. Tourism Facilitation Centers: Establishing centers to provide information and support to tourists.
Selection Criteria for Monuments

The process of selecting monuments and heritage sites for adoption is meticulous and based on two primary factors:

  1. Tourist Footfall: Sites are chosen based on the number of visitors they attract, aiming to maximize their impact.
  2. Visibility: Sites with historical and cultural significance that are in need of preservation are prioritized.
Who Can Be a ‘Monument Mitra’?

The ‘Adopt a Heritage’ program is open to both private and public sector companies, as well as individuals who are willing to become ‘Monument Mitras.’ These committed individuals and organizations agree to support and maintain the adopted heritage site for an initial period of five years.

Selection of Monument Mitras

The selection of Monument Mitras is a meticulous process guided by an ‘oversight and vision committee.’ Instead of financial bidding, prospective Mitras are chosen based on their vision for developing amenities at the heritage site. It’s essential to note that corporate entities are encouraged to utilize their corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds for site upkeep. In return, Monument Mitras receive limited visibility on the site premises and on the Incredible India website.

Ensuring Compliance

To maintain the integrity of the program, the oversight committee possesses the authority to terminate any memorandum of understanding if a Monument Mitra fails to comply with the agreed-upon terms or underperforms.

Important Points:

About ‘Adopt a Heritage’ Program:

  • Initiated by the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture, and ASI in 2017.
  • Aims to revitalize India’s historical monuments and heritage sites.
  • Encourages public and private sector companies, as well as individuals, to take responsibility for site development and upkeep.

Enhancing Tourist Sites:

  • Involves providing and maintaining essential amenities for visitors.
  • Amenities include drinking water, accessibility for all, standardized signage, cleanliness, restrooms, illumination, surveillance, night-viewing, and tourism facilitation centers.

Selection Criteria for Monuments:

  • Sites are chosen based on tourist footfall and historical significance.
  • Priority given to sites in need of preservation.

Monument Mitras:

  • Open to private and public sector companies and individuals.
  • Commit to supporting and maintaining the adopted heritage site for five years.

Selection of Monument Mitras:

  • Prospective Mitras chosen based on their vision for site development, not financial bids.
  • Encourages the use of corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds for site upkeep.
  • Mitras receive limited visibility on the site premises and the Incredible India website.

Compliance Measures:

  • Oversight committee has the authority to terminate agreements in case of non-compliance or underperformance.
Why In News

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is gearing up to launch Adopt a Heritage 2.0 programme, which aims to further engage and involve private organizations and individuals in preserving and promoting India’s rich cultural heritage. This innovative initiative will encourage stakeholders to take an active role in safeguarding historical sites and monuments, fostering a sense of collective responsibility for our shared heritage.

MCQs about Adopt a Heritage Program

  1. How are the amenities for tourist sites developed under the ‘Adopt a Heritage’ program determined?
    A. By a financial bidding process.
    B. Through the oversight committee’s vision assessment.
    C. By the number of amenities required.
    D. Through a popularity vote among tourists.
    Correct Answer: B. Through the oversight committee’s vision assessment.
    Explanation: The amenities for tourist sites are determined based on the vision presented by the prospective Monument Mitras and assessed by the oversight committee, rather than a financial bidding process.
  2. Who can participate as ‘Monument Mitras’ in the ‘Adopt a Heritage’ program?
    A. Only private sector companies.
    B. Only public sector companies.
    C. Both private and public sector companies, as well as individuals.
    D. Only individuals with historical expertise.
    Correct Answer: C. Both private and public sector companies, as well as individuals.
    Explanation: ‘Monument Mitras’ can be private and public sector companies, as well as individuals who commit to supporting and maintaining adopted heritage sites.
  3. What is the role of the oversight committee in the ‘Adopt a Heritage’ program?
    A. To organize tourist activities at adopted sites.
    B. To select sites based on financial bids.
    C. To terminate agreements in case of non-compliance or underperformance.
    D. To provide financial incentives to Monument Mitras.
    Correct Answer: C. To terminate agreements in case of non-compliance or underperformance.
    Explanation: The oversight committee’s role in the ‘Adopt a Heritage’ program includes the authority to terminate agreements in case of non-compliance or underperformance by Monument Mitras.

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