Overview

The Adopt a Heritage: Apni Dharohar, Apni Pehchan scheme is a collaborative initiative of the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture, and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) launched on World Tourism Day (September 27, 2017). The scheme invites public sector companies, private sector enterprises, NGOs, trusts, individuals, and other stakeholders to become “Monument Mitras” and take up the responsibility of developing and upgrading tourist amenities at heritage, natural, and tourist sites across India.

The programme operates on a no-financial-bid model — Monument Mitras are selected based on the quality of their vision document, not on monetary bids. Funding comes primarily through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) resources. As of the latest reports, the scheme has covered 106 tourist places, with over 600 Monument Mitras registered and 27 MoUs signed.

Parameter Detail
Type Collaborative Public-Private Initiative
Nodal Ministries Ministry of Tourism + Ministry of Culture + ASI
Launched September 27, 2017 (World Tourism Day)
Selection Basis Vision document quality (no financial bid)
Funding Model CSR funds from adopting entities
Monument Mitras Registered 600+
Tourist Places Covered 106
MoUs Signed 27
Adoption Period 5 years (initial)

How the Scheme Works

Selection of Sites

  • Sites are selected based on tourist footfall and visibility.
  • Covers ASI-protected monuments, natural heritage sites, and other tourist destinations.
  • ASI oversees 3,685 centrally protected monuments and sites across India (as of July 2025) — these form the primary pool for adoption.

Monument Mitras

  • Any entity — public or private company, individual, NGO, trust — can apply to become a Monument Mitra.
  • Selection is based on the vision document submitted, not on a financial bid.
  • Adoption is for an initial period of 5 years.
  • Monument Mitras provide either comprehensive amenities for an entire monument or specific amenities (e.g., drinking water, cleaning, signage, lighting).

Amenities to be Developed

Monument Mitras are expected to provide two categories of amenities:

Basic Amenities:

  • Clean drinking water and sanitation facilities
  • Waste management and cleanliness
  • Accessibility features for differently-abled visitors
  • Signage and wayfinding in multiple languages
  • Security and surveillance

Advanced Amenities:

  • Wi-Fi connectivity
  • Audio guides and digital interpretation centres
  • Night lighting and sound-and-light shows
  • Cafeteria and souvenir shops
  • Augmented reality / virtual reality experiences

Adopt a Heritage 2.0

The Archaeological Survey of India launched the revamped Adopt a Heritage 2.0 programme on September 4, 2023, along with the Indian Heritage App and the e-Permission Portal.

Key changes in version 2.0:

  • Greater flexibility: Entities can adopt a whole monument or provide specific amenities (e.g., only drinking water or only cleaning services).
  • Streamlined process: Digital application and monitoring through the Indian Heritage App.
  • Focus on visitor experience: Emphasis on world-class amenities, digital interpretation, and accessibility.
  • ASI directly manages the programme — reducing bureaucratic layers.

Latest Developments

  • Adopt a Heritage 2.0 launched by ASI on September 4, 2023, with the Indian Heritage App and e-Permission Portal for streamlined digital management.
  • 106 tourist places covered under the scheme, with over 600 Monument Mitras registered and 27 MoUs signed.
  • ASI oversees 3,685 centrally protected monuments across India (as of July 2025) — these serve as the primary pool for monument adoption.
  • The scheme is increasingly aligned with Swadesh Darshan 2.0 for convergent tourism infrastructure development.
  • Budget 2025-26: The broader tourism sector received ₹2,541.06 crore; the Adopt a Heritage programme leverages CSR funds rather than direct budgetary allocation.

Prelims Importance

  • Launched on World Tourism Day — September 27, 2017.
  • Joint initiative of three entities: Ministry of Tourism + Ministry of Culture + ASI.
  • Adopters are called “Monument Mitras” (not “Heritage Partners” or “Tourism Ambassadors”).
  • Selection is based on vision document — there is no financial bid.
  • Adoption period: 5 years (initial).
  • Funding: CSR funds from adopting entities — not government budgetary allocation.
  • ASI protects 3,685 centrally protected monuments across India.
  • Adopt a Heritage 2.0 launched on September 4, 2023 by ASI.
  • Version 2.0 introduced the Indian Heritage App and e-Permission Portal.
  • The scheme has covered 106 tourist places with 27 MoUs signed.

Mains & Interview Importance

GS Paper 1 (Art & Culture): Heritage conservation and promotion in India; role of ASI in monument protection; balancing tourism development with heritage preservation; public-private partnership models in cultural sector.

GS Paper 3 (Economy): Tourism as a driver of economic growth; CSR as a funding mechanism for public goods; infrastructure development at heritage sites; convergence of tourism, culture, and urban development schemes.

Possible Mains Questions:

  • The Adopt a Heritage scheme relies on CSR funding and private participation for heritage site development. Critically evaluate whether this model adequately safeguards the archaeological and cultural integrity of India’s protected monuments.
  • Heritage tourism has immense potential for rural employment and local economic development. Discuss how the Adopt a Heritage scheme, in convergence with Swadesh Darshan 2.0, can be leveraged to promote sustainable heritage tourism in India.

Interview Angle: “India has 3,685 ASI-protected monuments but only 106 have been covered under Adopt a Heritage so far. What explains the slow uptake, and would you recommend mandatory CSR allocation for heritage conservation?”