The heritage policy is seeing a massive shift in the country with ASIs monopoly in the conservation of protected monuments to see role of private players as well. Soon, corporates, public sector undertakings and even private organisations will be able to directly hire external agencies to undertake required conservation work at forts, baolis, and other heritage spaces across the country. The policy shift comes a few months after the Parliamentary Committee sought reform of ASI delisting protocols.

What Does It Mean

With the proposed entry of private players into the conservation of protected monuments, heritage preservation in India could gain a fresh momentum. No longer confined solely to the mandate of the ASI, private participation would allow the inclusion of experts and external agencies. This move is expected not only to accelerate conservation processes and strengthen accountability but also to ease the ASI’s burden.

Aligned with the government’s emphasis on celebrating India’s heritage, the policy could enable more effective showcasing of the nation’s cultural legacy. Concerns around fund utilization and the risk of misdirected efforts have been addressed: funds will be routed through the National Culture Fund, projects will remain under ASI’s supervision, and all Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) must adhere to the National Policy for Conservation, 2014. 

This shift, however, may just be the beginning. India’s heritage—woven into every corner of its cities and landscapes—offers an unparalleled diversity of stories, from the past into the present. While cities have long struggled to preserve and present these narratives, this policy could usher in new hope, reimagining and revitalizing heritage as a living testimony of India’s evolving identity.