About the Programme

• In 2023, the Archaeological Survey of India launched the ‘Adopt a Heritage 2.0’ programme to invite corporate stakeholders to enhance amenities at monuments by utilising their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds. 

• Under this programme, ASI invites corporate stakeholders who will undertake the responsibility of developing, providing, and maintaining amenities that cover hygiene, accessibility, safety, and knowledge dissemination categories.
• The programme is a revamped version of the earlier scheme launched in 2017.

Related Information

About ASI

• The Archaeological Survey of India is the premier organization for the archaeological research and protection of the cultural heritage of the nation. 
• It is an attached office under the Ministry of Culture.
• Maintenance of ancient monuments and archaeological sites and remains of national importance is the prime concern of the ASI. 
• Besides, it regulates all archaeological activities in the country as per the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. It also regulates the Antiquities and Art Treasure Act, 1972.

History

• Archaeological and historical pursuits in India started with the efforts of Sir William Jones, who put together a group of antiquarians to form the Asiatic Society in 1784 in Calcutta.
• The Archaeological Survey of India was eventually formed in 1861 by a statute passed into law by Viceroy Lord Canning with Alexander Cunningham as the first Archaeological Surveyor.

What is CSR? 

• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a business philosophy that dictates that companies around the globe should deviate from the narrow path of chasing only financial gains and wealth buildup and embark on a journey of sustainable development. 
• It includes community welfare, ethical corporate conduct, climate action, defending the socio-economic rights of marginalised sections of society, among other aspects. 

CSR in India

• India is the first country in the world to make CSR mandatory, following an amendment to The Company Act, 2013 in 2014.
• Any company that has a net worth of at least Rs 500 crore, a turnover of Rs 1,000 crore or a net profit of Rs 5 crore is obliged to spend 2% of its average profits over the last three years on CSR.
• Businesses can invest their profits in areas such as education, poverty, gender equality, and hunger as part of their CSR compliance, as regulated by the law.