HAL, NCF and ASI Sign Heritage Conservation Agreement

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the National Culture Fund (NCF) and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) signed a Memorandum of Agreement on 13 October 2026. The agreement covers conservation and development works at Hampi in Karnataka, the Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, and Bekal Fort in Kerala. HAL has granted in-principle approval for financial support of ₹23.60 crore, to be provided over the financial years 2026–27 to 2028–29.

Agreement and project funding

The projects include conservation, preservation and improvements to visitor amenities at the three heritage sites. The agreement was signed at Kartavya Bhawan-02 in New Delhi in the presence of Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture. Pradeep Kumar, HAL’s Executive Director (HR), signed the agreement on behalf of the company. HAL’s financial commitment is spread across three financial years, from 2026–27 to 2028–29. The ASI will provide technical guidance and supervision for project implementation. The agreement places the conservation work within the remit of the Ministry of Culture’s heritage institutions and the participating public-sector company.

Institutions involved

The Archaeological Survey of India is the national agency responsible for archaeological research and the protection of centrally protected monuments and sites. It was established in 1861, with Alexander Cunningham as its first Director General. The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, provides for the preservation of ancient and historical monuments and archaeological sites of national importance. The National Culture Fund was established in 1996 under the Ministry of Culture. It facilitates contributions from public and private sources for the protection and development of India’s cultural heritage. HAL is a public-sector aerospace and defence company.

Heritage sites covered

Hampi is an archaeological site associated with the Vijayanagara Empire and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1986. The Taj Mahal, a marble mausoleum commissioned by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, was inscribed on the list in 1983. Bekal Fort is a coastal fort in Kerala, situated beside the Arabian Sea.

Important Facts for Exams

• The ASI was established in 1861, and Alexander Cunningham served as its first Director General.
• The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act was enacted in 1958.
• Hampi and the Taj Mahal are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• The National Culture Fund was established in 1996 under the Ministry of Culture.

Implementation framework

The ASI will supervise the heritage works at Hampi, the Taj Mahal and Bekal Fort. HAL’s approved support of ₹23.60 crore is allocated across the 2026–27 to 2028–29 financial years.</final