Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has announced two important schemes for the conservation, development and promotion of the historical and cultural heritage of the capital. Both the schemes have been approved by the cabinet. Through these schemes, Delhi Government will, for the first time, launch a comprehensive campaign for the conservation and development of historical monuments of local importance in Delhi with the participation of government, private and social organizations.
Delhi Government is starting Delhi Chief Minister Memorial Acquisition Scheme and Delhi Chief Minister Heritage Innovation Scheme under the ‘Hamara Smarak, Hamara Gaurav’ scheme, so that more and more institutions and citizens can become a part of this campaign. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that the Archeology Department of Delhi Government, under the Delhi Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (DAHMASR), 2004, is responsible for the conservation, maintenance and development of those historical monuments of local importance of Delhi, which do not come under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
It is the priority of the Delhi Government to develop these monuments as better tourist destinations, provide necessary infrastructure facilities around them, ensure their systematic maintenance and make them more attractive and convenient for tourists.
Opportunity to adopt monuments
The Chief Minister said that under the Delhi Chief Minister Monument Acquisition Scheme, public undertakings (PSUs), private companies, registered NGOs, trusts, institutions and interested citizens will be able to adopt the historical monuments of the Delhi Government through voluntary contributions. Such associates will be called memorial friends. At present there are 75 historical monuments under the protection of the Archeology Department of Delhi Government.
Under this scheme, Smarak Mitra will bear the entire cost of development, operation and maintenance of tourist facilities like cleanliness, security, lighting, light and sound at the concerned monument. Under this, the Delhi government will save an average of about Rs 4.5 lakh per year on each adopted monument.
The period of receipt of the memorial will be 5 years
The Chief Minister clarified that if Smarak Mitra earns any income from any sanctioned program or event, then that amount will be used only for the maintenance and development of the concerned memorial. You will not be allowed to retain that income as personal gain. The period of acquisition of the memorial will be 5 years. For this, a tripartite agreement (MoU) will be made between Delhi Government, the concerned land owning agency and Smarak Mitra.
EOI must be submitted
The entire process will be transparent and the scheme will be evaluated on the basis of regular monitoring, periodic reviews and feedback received from stakeholders and tourists. Interested institutions and individuals will have to submit Expression of Interest (EOI) and a vision document for each monument, detailing the proposed development works, required facilities and contribution to be made in the maintenance.
Will work on development and maintenance of monuments
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta clarified that the objectives of Delhi Chief Minister Memorial Acquisition Scheme and Delhi Chief Minister Heritage Innovation Scheme are different. Under the Monument Acquisition Scheme, Smarak Mitra will use its own resources to develop and maintain cleanliness, security, lighting, light and sound and other tourist facilities at the monuments. Under the Delhi Chief Minister Heritage Innovation Scheme, the government will provide financial assistance to eligible and expert institutions for the original conservation, restoration and other technical conservation works of the monuments.
Know under what circumstances financial assistance will be provided
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that under this scheme, a maximum grant of up to Rs 2 crore can be given to eligible institutions. National and state level registered voluntary organizations, trusts, foundations, educational institutions, universities, deemed universities and autonomous institutions of central and state governments will be able to avail the benefits of this scheme. Registration on the Darpan portal of the Government of India will be mandatory for voluntary organizations, trusts, foundations and educational institutions.
DTTDC is also maintaining 21 monuments
The Chief Minister said that at present the original conservation of 21 monuments out of 75 monuments under the Archeology Department of Delhi Government is being done by Delhi Tourism and Transport Development Corporation (DTTDC). Through the new scheme, participation of eligible and expert institutions will be ensured in this work. Eligible institutions will have to apply online through the prescribed application form. Applications will be made on the basis of invitation published on the website of the Archeology Department and in newspapers. Universities, deemed universities and government autonomous institutions will be able to apply directly through their Registrar or Head of Department.
New employment opportunities will be created through the schemes
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that both these schemes will create new opportunities for skilled, semi-skilled and professional employment, promote traditional crafts, increase participation of youth and educational institutions and also strengthen the livelihood of local communities. The objective of Delhi Government is not only to preserve the historical heritage but also to develop them as vibrant cultural and tourism centers through public participation. The historical heritage of Delhi is our identity and our collective heritage. The government is fully committed to protect, preserve and develop these monuments with the participation of the society.
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