Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the National Culture Fund (NCF) and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement to undertake conservation and development work at three major heritage sites across India. HAL has committed financial support of Rs 23.60 crore for these projects, which will run from the financial year 2026-27 to 2028-29. The agreement was signed on 13 October 2026 in the presence of Shri Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary at the Ministry of Culture.
Key facts
- Three heritage sites covered: Hampi in Karnataka, Taj Mahal in Agra (Uttar Pradesh), and Bekal Fort in Kerala
- Total funding commitment: Rs 23.60 crore over three financial years (2026-27 to 2028-29)
- At Hampi: development works planned in North Bazaar (approximately 270 metres) and South Bazaar (approximately 250 metres)
- HAL signed through Shri Pradeep Kumar, Executive Director (HR)
- Ministry of Culture Secretary Shri Vivek Aggarwal witnessed the signing
- All three sites are UNESCO World Heritage Sites or nationally significant
What the agreement covers
The three-way partnership aims to conserve, preserve and improve visitor facilities at these culturally important locations. At Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Karnataka, the work will focus on the historic bazaar areas on both the north and south sides. The initiatives at the Taj Mahal and Bekal Fort will involve approved conservation activities and site-development works to be conducted in consultation with ASI.
The projects are designed to protect India’s cultural heritage while also supporting sustainable heritage tourism, which can bring economic benefits to local communities and increase awareness of these sites among visitors.
How the partnership works
The National Culture Fund, established by the Ministry of Culture, acts as the intermediary that brings together government institutions and private sector organisations to support heritage conservation. Under this model, HAL contributes the funds through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) mandate, NCF coordinates the implementation with all parties, and ASI provides technical oversight to ensure all work follows established conservation standards and principles.
This arrangement reflects a public-private partnership approach to heritage management. ASI, which is the statutory body responsible for archaeological sites in India, will supervise all work to ensure it adheres to prescribed norms and best practices in conservation.
What this means for citizens
Heritage site visitors can expect improved facilities and better preservation of these culturally significant locations. The work at Hampi will enhance access and infrastructure in the historic bazaar districts, making it easier for tourists and pilgrims to experience the site. Better-maintained sites also mean these important parts of India’s cultural legacy will be available for future generations to study and enjoy.
The partnership demonstrates how large corporations can contribute to national heritage preservation through their CSR spending, rather than funding unrelated causes. This model may encourage other private companies to support heritage conservation projects in their respective regions.
About the National Culture Fund
The National Culture Fund, managed by the Ministry of Culture, was created to facilitate partnerships between government and the private sector for protecting both tangible heritage (monuments, artifacts, sites) and intangible heritage (crafts, performing arts, traditions). It provides a structured mechanism for corporate contributions to reach heritage conservation projects that need funding.