The Ministry of Culture in India is set to transfer ownership of over 1,000 monuments and sites of cultural and historical importance to the private sector, under its Monument Mitra Scheme. This scheme aims to involve the private sector in the preservation, protection and promotion of these monuments and sites.
The Monument Mitra Scheme was launched with the goal of promoting public-private partnerships for the conservation of monuments and sites of national importance. The scheme will involve the transfer of ownership of these monuments and sites to private organizations, individuals, or corporate entities for a period of five years. During this period, the private sector partners will be responsible for the conservation and maintenance of these monuments and sites.
The transfer of ownership under the Monument Mitra Scheme is expected to bring numerous benefits, including the preservation and protection of these cultural and historical sites, increased public engagement and awareness, and the development of new tourism opportunities. The private sector partners will be given the freedom to innovate and bring new ideas to the conservation and promotion of these monuments, while also benefiting from increased visibility and exposure.
The Ministry of Culture has stated that the transfer of ownership under the Monument Mitra Scheme will be done on a competitive basis, and will be open to both Indian and international organizations. The selection of private sector partners will be based on criteria such as their track record in conservation and promotion, their proposed plan for the conservation and promotion of the site, and their financial capability to undertake the conservation and maintenance work.
The government has set a goal of completing 500 sites under the redesigned Monument Mitra Scheme by the conclusion of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav on August 15, 2023. The Monument Mitra Scheme was launched a few years ago by the Ministry of Tourism. In the case of monuments under the Archaeological Survey of India, the programme has been shifted from the Ministry of Tourism to the Ministry of Culture. He also indicated that the government will make roughly 1,000 monuments available to the private sector for care and restoration around the country.