State doubles tenure of adoption for companies after scheme fails to get proper response
The Maharashtra State Archaeological and Archive Department has decided to increase the tenure of adopt-a-monument scheme. In 2007, this scheme had got government reservation for an adoption tenure of 5 years, but it did not get a good response. Hence, the tenure now will be for 10 years.
The scheme invites private companies and institutions to adopt a monument and take complete responsibility of it for a tenure of 10 years. The archaeological department has selected 50 monuments across the state for this purpose.
The list of selected monuments have been advertised in the newspapers for the companies to choose from and to take it up as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) plan. Once the company approaches the department with its choice, a committee is set up and then a field officer is deputed to check its plan and schedule before the proposal is given a go-ahead.
Under this plan, a company has to look after the elements of basic infrastructure, cleanliness, landscaping, gardening, security, awareness, tourism and footfall. The company/institution can put up their board outside the monument premises, charge fees to visitors and make profit. However, "the fees is decided by the department as it has to be nominal and affordable for the local public".
A company may adopt the monument, but its ownership lies with the department and the last call will always be with it.
The archaeological department has over 371 state-protected monuments and a yearly budget of Rs12-13 crore is earmarked for them. However, dearth of manpower stands as a handicap for their maintenance.
Sanjay Patil, director of the department said: "Other than the government, if companies and institutions take interest in our monuments, then people will take interest in knowing about them. There are 371 monuments and it's not possible for the department to look after all of them."
The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has been approached for the adoption Worli fort, Bandra fort, Sewri fort and Banganga tank. The Naldurg fort in Usmanabad has been adopted by Unity Multicons. Dharavi Killa is being adopted by MHADA.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}