In a significant policy shift, the Indian government is set to open the conservation of centrally protected monuments to the private sector. This move breaks the long-held monopoly of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) over heritage conservation. The Ministry of Culture is currently empaneling private agencies with expertise in heritage restoration. Over 20 such agencies have applied in response to the Ministry's Request for Proposal (RFP).

Under the new framework, corporate donors contributing to the National Cultural Fund (NCF) can select a heritage conservation architect from the empanelled pool. This architect will then engage an executing agency to carry out the conservation work under ASI supervision. A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed between the NCF, the donor, and the ASI.

The government aims to address the ASI's capacity constraints and improve the efficiency of conservation efforts. With nearly 3,700 monuments under its purview, the ASI has been facing challenges due to limited manpower and resources. By involving the private sector, the government hopes to expedite conservation, introduce modern techniques, and ensure better upkeep of heritage structures. The move also aims to build a national talent pool of conservation professionals.

The empanelment criteria for conservation architects include experience in executing conservation or restoration projects of centrally protected monuments under the ASI, state archaeology departments, or other government bodies. Experience in heritage projects of PSUs, municipal corporations, or private buildings at least 100 years old will also be considered.

The ASI will continue to play a crucial role in the new framework. It will be responsible for approving conservation plans, overseeing the execution of projects, and ensuring adherence to conservation norms. This will ensure that the historical, cultural, and archaeological value of the monuments is preserved.

This initiative reflects the government's broader push for public-private partnerships in culture and heritage management. Other countries like the UK, the US, Germany, and the Netherlands have successfully involved the private sector in heritage management through various funding models and foundations.

Experts have welcomed the move but emphasized the need for strong oversight and clear guidelines to prevent commercialization or compromise of archaeological integrity. The success of this initiative will depend on robust regulation, accountability, and adherence to conservation ethics.