Heritage preservation in city likely to get CSR push

Indore: Business houses operating in Indore will now be asked to participate in restoring heritage monuments of the city by shelling out funds as part of corporate social responsibility (CSR).
The noble initiative is part of a comprehensive policy of restoring Indore's heritage monuments by the authorities. The policy aims at generating funds for restoration and upkeep of monuments and constant monitoring and technical support by a core committee comprising bureaucrats, NGOs and societies like INTACH, archeologists and elected representatives.The idea sprung during meetings with archaeological experts and people passionate about maintaining heritage following the recent collapse of a portion of Rajwada.
Divisional commissioner Sanjay Dubey, who is in the process of formulating the policy, told TOI, "We face fund crunch in restoring the monuments. We now plan to rope in corporate houses to participate in the process as part of their CSR activity."
Indore has around 172 monuments, of which the government departments have possession of 144 monuments. Most of the monuments are not declared as heritage monument, thus making it difficult to focus on their restoration.
The administration now plans to identify such monuments and give them a heritage tag according to the criteria for listing heritage monuments laid down by the Central Public Works department (CPWD).
Heritage preservation is also on priority list of Indore's Smart City project. Many feel that the policy for their preservation was much needed. INTACH (Indore) co-convenor Himanshu S Dudwadkar said the policy will also help channel the funds thus generated to good use. "The initiative is expected to go a long way in preserving Indore's heritage," he added.
With Indore and surrounding areas becoming investment destinations, the corporate houses will keenly be interested in extending their CSR activity in conserving heritage, the officials feel.
As per the provisions of the Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2014, every qualifying company requires spending of at least 2% of its average net profit for the immediately preceding 3 financial years on CSR activities.
The authorities are also willing to give the credit of upkeep of monuments to companies taking part in its restoration. "We feel that this would give a huge boost to the companies too, allowing them to connect to local people," divisional commissioner Dubey said while talking to TOI.