Delhi approved two heritage conservation schemes on 30 June 2026 for 75 monuments under the archaeology department of the Delhi government. The schemes cover monuments protected under the Delhi Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 2004, which lie outside the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

🏛️ Monument Adoption Scheme

The Delhi Chief Minister Monument Adoption Scheme allows private participation in heritage upkeep through a public-private partnership (PPP) model.

  • Open to private organisations, educational institutions, NGOs, public sector undertakings and individuals.
  • Participants become "Monument Mitras" and adopt monuments for five years.
  • Monument Mitras fund visitor amenities such as cleanliness, security and lighting.

💰 Grant-in-Aid for Conservation Works

The Grant-in-Aid Scheme for Conservation, Restoration and Development Works provides financial assistance of up to ₹2 crore to eligible and specialised institutions.

  • Covers core conservation, restoration and technical works.
  • Applies to heritage structures under the Delhi government's protection.

🕌 Heritage Sites & Administrative Features

The adoption list includes several well-known Delhi heritage sites.

  • Haveli of Mirza Ghalib (19th-century Urdu poet associated with Delhi).
  • Bhuli Bhatiyari ka Mahal.
  • Mutiny Memorial.
  • Dara Shikoh library building.
The government projects annual maintenance savings of about ₹4.5 lakh per monument through the adoption model.

🔄 Revenue & Reinvestment Rule

Any revenue generated from approved activities at adopted sites must be used only for the upkeep of the monument. The revenue cannot be retained as private profit under the scheme framework.

📌 Key Points (Important Facts for Exams)

  • Delhi approved two heritage schemes for 75 monuments on 30 June 2026.
  • Under the adoption scheme, "Monument Mitras" adopt monuments for five years.
  • Grant-in-Aid provides up to ₹2 crore for conservation works.
  • The Delhi Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 2004 is a state law.
  • The Archaeological Survey of India is a central body under the Ministry of Culture.
  • Mirza Ghalib was a 19th-century Urdu poet associated with Delhi.

🎯 Conclusion

Delhi's Monument Adoption and Grant-in-Aid schemes strengthen heritage conservation through public-private partnership while ensuring that revenue is reinvested in monument upkeep. This is a valuable Government Schemes and Art & Culture current affairs topic for SSC, Banking, Railway, UPSC and state-level examinations.

📝 Practice MCQs

Q1. How many monuments are covered under Delhi's new heritage schemes approved in 2026?

a) 50
b) 65
c) 75
d) 100
👉 SHOW ANSWER ▼

✔ Correct Answer: (c) 75

The schemes apply to 75 monuments under the Delhi archaeology department.

Q2. Under the Monument Adoption Scheme, adopters are called?

a) Heritage Guardians
b) Monument Mitras
c) Virasat Rakshaks
d) Culture Custodians
👉 SHOW ANSWER ▼

✔ Correct Answer: (b) Monument Mitras

Adopters are called Monument Mitras and adopt for five years.

Q3. For how many years do Monument Mitras adopt a monument?

a) Three years
b) Five years
c) Seven years
d) Ten years
👉 SHOW ANSWER ▼

✔ Correct Answer: (b) Five years

The adoption period is five years.

Q4. What is the maximum grant under the Grant-in-Aid Scheme?

a) ₹50 lakh
b) ₹1 crore
c) ₹2 crore
d) ₹5 crore
👉 SHOW ANSWER ▼

✔ Correct Answer: (c) ₹2 crore

The scheme provides up to ₹2 crore for conservation works.

Q5. The schemes cover monuments protected under which Act?

a) Ancient Monuments Act, 1958
b) Delhi Act of 2004
c) Right to Heritage Act, 2010
d) Public Monuments Act, 1990
👉 SHOW ANSWER ▼

✔ Correct Answer: (b) Delhi Act of 2004

It is the Delhi Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 2004.

Q6. The Archaeological Survey of India functions under which ministry?

a) Ministry of Tourism
b) Ministry of Culture
c) Ministry of Home Affairs
d) Ministry of Education
👉 SHOW ANSWER ▼

✔ Correct Answer: (b) Ministry of Culture

ASI is a central organisation under the Ministry of Culture.

Q7. Mirza Ghalib, whose haveli is in the adoption list, was a?

a) Mughal emperor
b) 19th-century Urdu poet
c) Freedom fighter
d) British administrator
👉 SHOW ANSWER ▼

✔ Correct Answer: (b) 19th-century Urdu poet

Mirza Ghalib was a 19th-century Urdu poet associated with Delhi.

Q8. What projected annual saving per monument does the adoption model offer?

a) About ₹2.5 lakh
b) About ₹4.5 lakh
c) About ₹10 lakh
d) About ₹1 crore
👉 SHOW ANSWER ▼

✔ Correct Answer: (b) About ₹4.5 lakh

The government projects savings of about ₹4.5 lakh per monument annually.

Q9. Revenue generated at adopted sites must be used for?

a) Private profit
b) Government tax
c) Upkeep of the monument
d) Political funds
👉 SHOW ANSWER ▼

✔ Correct Answer: (c) Upkeep of the monument

Revenue must be used only for the upkeep of the monument.

Q10. Which model is used for the Monument Adoption Scheme?

a) Fully government-funded
b) Public-private partnership
c) Foreign aid
d) Crowdfunding only
👉 SHOW ANSWER ▼

✔ Correct Answer: (b) Public-private partnership

The scheme uses a public-private partnership (PPP) model.

Read more daily English current affairs articles and improve your exam preparation.

👉 Visit Daily English Articles 2026 →