For the first time, India’s core monument conservation work is set to move beyond the exclusive control of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), opening the door for private agencies to take up conservation responsibilities under government supervision. This change will also apply to centrally protected heritage sites such as Hampi.
The Ministry of Culture has initiated a process to empanel qualified conservation architects and private agencies for undertaking monument conservation work. More than 20 private agencies from across the country have submitted applications under the Request for Proposal (RFP), citing prior experience in heritage conservation.
After the 12 January deadline for closing of RFP submissions, a ministry-led internal committee will review the proposals. Empanelment is expected to be completed within a week, following which private donors will be allowed to directly appoint approved conservation architects for eligible monuments, including sites like Hampi.
Officials have clarified that the move is aimed purely at capacity building. All conservation work will remain strictly governed by ASI norms and will be subject to continuous monitoring and oversight to ensure historical integrity is maintained.
Only agencies with proven experience in working on centrally protected monuments will qualify. This includes projects executed under the ASI, state archaeology departments, or public works departments, ensuring that technical expertise remains a key requirement.
Under the new framework, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) donors contributing through the National Culture Fund will have the flexibility to select from empanelled conservation experts, an option that was not available earlier.
With nearly 3,700 protected monuments across India, the ASI has long faced challenges related to scale, manpower, and execution timelines. Being responsible for everything from planning to execution often slowed conservation projects, particularly those funded by corporate donors working within fixed schedules.
Earlier initiatives such as the ‘Adopt a Heritage’ scheme allowed private participation largely in maintenance and visitor facilities. However, this reform marks a significant shift, as private agencies will now be allowed to participate in the core conservation of monuments themselves. The ministry has reportedly identified an initial list of around 250 monuments requiring conservation work, which includes prominent heritage sites like Hampi.
By aligning with global conservation practices followed in countries such as the UK and the US, India is signalling a move towards regulated public–private partnerships to better safeguard its historical and cultural legacy.