HRIDAY

HRIDAY: Heritage City Development & Augmentation Yojana

6.0/10

Launched on 21st January 2015, the scheme "National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana", also known as "HRIDAY" is a central sector scheme by the Ministry of Tourism. The scheme was introduced to bring together urban planning, economic growth, and heritage conservation.

Central Composite

States / UT: All India

Ministry / nodal: Ministry Of Tourism

Scheme for: Infra

Scheme profile

DBT (direct benefit transfer): No

Scheme open date: 2015-01-21

Categories: Transport & Infrastructure

Sub-categories: Infrastructure

Target beneficiaries: NGO, Government Organisation, State Government

Tags: Implementation, Heritage, Infrastructure, Cultural, Tourism

Details

Launched on 21st January 2015, the scheme "National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana", also known as "HRIDAY" is a central sector scheme by the Ministry of Tourism. The scheme was introduced to bring together urban planning, economic growth, and heritage conservation in an inclusive manner & to preserve the heritage character of the city. The mission period of the scheme ended on 31st March 2019. The scheme supported the development of core heritage-linked civic infrastructure projects, which include the revitalization of urban infrastructure for areas around the heritage, religious, cultural, and tourism assets of the cities. These initiatives include the development of water supply, sanitation, drainage, waste management, approach roads, footpaths, street lights, tourist conveniences, electricity wiring, landscaping, and such citizen services.

Benefits

  • For the Residents
  • Improved quality of life through enhanced infrastructure, better sanitation facilities, and revitalized public spaces
  • Preservation of cultural heritage fosters a sense of pride and identity among residents
  • Economic opportunities are generated through tourism, cultural events, and heritage-related businesses. For the Tourists
  • Enriched cultural experiences through the restoration and promotion of heritage sites, monuments, and historic areas
  • Enhanced amenities and facilities for tourists, including improved signage, interpretation centres, and guided tours
  • Increased safety and accessibility, making heritage cities more attractive destinations for domestic and international visitors. For the Businesses
  • Expanded market opportunities resulting from increased tourism and foot traffic in heritage areas
  • Investment incentives for heritage-related businesses, such as heritage hotels, handicrafts, cultural events, and eco-tourism ventures
  • Preservation and promotion of traditional crafts and skills, supporting local artisans and craftsmen. For the Local Authorities
  • Strengthened governance and capacity-building for heritage conservation and urban planning
  • Increased revenue generation through tourism-related taxes, entry fees, and commercial activities in heritage areas

For the Residents

  • Improved quality of life through enhanced infrastructure, better sanitation facilities, and revitalized public spaces.
  • Preservation of cultural heritage fosters a sense of pride and identity among residents.
  • Economic opportunities are generated through tourism, cultural events, and heritage-related businesses.

For the Tourists

  • Enriched cultural experiences through the restoration and promotion of heritage sites, monuments, and historic areas.
  • Enhanced amenities and facilities for tourists, including improved signage, interpretation centres, and guided tours.
  • Increased safety and accessibility, making heritage cities more attractive destinations for domestic and international visitors.

For the Businesses

  • Expanded market opportunities resulting from increased tourism and foot traffic in heritage areas.
  • Investment incentives for heritage-related businesses, such as heritage hotels, handicrafts, cultural events, and eco-tourism ventures.
  • Preservation and promotion of traditional crafts and skills, supporting local artisans and craftsmen.

For the Local Authorities

  • Strengthened governance and capacity-building for heritage conservation and urban planning.
  • Increased revenue generation through tourism-related taxes, entry fees, and commercial activities in heritage areas.
  • Enhanced collaboration and partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, and private stakeholders for sustainable development.

Eligibility

There are no eligibility requirements to avail the benefits of this scheme.

How useful is this scheme?

Public benefit analysis

A practical look at this scheme for citizens

AI-generated insights showing how useful, accessible, and practical this scheme may be — combining deterministic scoring rules with a public-policy LLM analyst.

6.0
/ 10
Public Benefit Score
Accessibility 9.0/10 Good
Rural usefulness 5.0/10 Moderate
Application complexity 6.0/10 Moderate
Financial impact 5.0/10 Moderate
Literacy barrier 2.0/10 Good
Women inclusivity 5.0/10 Moderate
Awareness 7.5/10 Good
Implementation reliability 7.0/10 Good
Bigger shape means a better fit for citizens
  • Accessibility9.0
  • Financial impact5.0
  • Rural utility5.0
  • Awareness7.5
  • Simplicity4.0
  • Inclusivity5.0

What problem does this scheme solve?

The HRIDAY scheme aims to enhance urban infrastructure and preserve cultural heritage, benefiting various stakeholders including residents, tourists, and local authorities.

Key challenges addressed

  • Urban infrastructure development
  • Heritage conservation
  • Economic growth through tourism

Most beneficial for

  • Local authorities
  • Tourists
  • Heritage-related businesses

Likely challenges

  • Implementation complexity
  • Need for collaboration among multiple stakeholders

Practical insights for citizens

The scheme's benefits may not directly reach individual citizens but rather improve community infrastructure.

Rural challenges

  • Limited awareness of the scheme
  • Dependence on local authorities for implementation

Implementation bottlenecks

  • Coordination among various stakeholders

Awareness challenges

  • Low visibility in rural areas

Application analysis

Application mode
Offline office
Documents burden
None
Verification complexity
Low
Office dependency
Moderate
DBT dependency
None
CSC support
No
Estimated citizen effort
Minimal

Estimated beneficiary reach

  • Rural / urban reach Moderate
  • Gender reach All

Benefit analysis

Benefit type
Composite
Benefit practicality
High, as it improves public infrastructure and services.
Financial meaningfulness
Low, as there are no direct financial benefits to individuals.
Long-term impact
Positive, fostering tourism and cultural pride.

Plain-language guidance

HRIDAY is a government scheme that improves infrastructure in heritage cities and preserves cultural sites. It benefits local communities and tourists by enhancing public spaces and services.

Who should apply
Local authorities and government organizations involved in urban planning.
Who may struggle
Individual citizens seeking direct benefits.
Best application route
No application needed; benefits are implemented by local authorities.

This intelligence section is generated by an AI policy analyst combined with rule-based scoring. Scores and narrative are estimates derived from the publicly available scheme information shown on this page; actual experience may vary by state, district, and department. Always confirm details on the official portal before you apply.

Application Process

Offline

The citizens need not apply to this scheme.

Clarifications

Additional points from the scheme information published on myScheme (not legal advice).

What is the composition of the City Level Mission Directorate under the HRIDAY scheme?

The City Level Mission Directorate is chaired by an officer not below the rank of Chief Executive Officer/Municipal Commissioner of the ULB. It serves as a full-fledged project implementation unit, working as an extended arm of the National Level Mission Directorate.

What are the broad thematic areas of focus under the HRIDAY scheme?

The HRIDAY scheme focuses on four thematic areas: Physical Infrastructure, Institutional Infrastructure, Economic Infrastructure, and Social Infrastructure, aimed at reviving and revitalizing the soul of heritage cities.

How are projects funded under the HRIDAY scheme?

Projects under the HRIDAY scheme can be funded directly or through support from other stakeholders, including the private sector. The scheme provides an indicative list of components that can be funded based on the needs of the city.

What are the key components of the HRIDAY scheme?

The HRIDAY scheme includes components such as heritage documentation and mapping, heritage revitalization, city information/knowledge management and skill development, and memorandum of agreements for effective project implementation.

What role does the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) play in the HRIDAY scheme?

The NIUA serves as the National Project Management Unit (NPMU) for the HRIDAY scheme and functions as a secretariat for the Mission Directorate.

What are the key steps cities need to take to avail assistance under the HRIDAY scheme?

Cities are required to prepare a Heritage Management Plan (HMP) and develop Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for identified projects to avail assistance under the HRIDAY scheme.

What is the objective of the Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY) scheme?

The main objective of the HRIDAY scheme is to preserve the soul of heritage cities and facilitate inclusive heritage-linked urban development, focusing on various aspects such as infrastructure, tourism, livelihoods, and cultural identity.

What is the funding arrangement for the HRIDAY scheme?

The HRIDAY scheme is a central sector scheme with 100 percent funding provided by the Central Government.

What are the key steps cities need to take to avail assistance under the HRIDAY scheme?

Cities are required to prepare a Heritage Management Plan (HMP) and develop Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for identified projects to avail assistance under the HRIDAY scheme.

Who is responsible for developing the Heritage Management Plan and Detailed Project Reports for cities under the HRIDAY scheme?

The Heritage Management Plan (HMP) and Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) may be developed by the National Mission Directorate/City Mission Directorate through various agencies such as Public Works Organizations (PWOs), Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), Central Public Sector Units (CPSUs), State Para-statals, and reputable NGOs.

What are the key responsibilities of the Mission Directorate in the HRIDAY scheme?

The Mission Directorate plans, develops, and implements the HRIDAY scheme. It collaborates with states, ULBs, and institutes for heritage management plans, DPRs, and project implementation. It also monitors progress, facilitates coordination, and ensures financial management.

How are City Level Advisory and Monitoring Committees (CLAMCs) constituted under HRIDAY?

CLAMCs are chaired by the DM/Municipal Commissioner and include stakeholders like elected representatives, officials, and representatives from CBOs/NGOs. They oversee project performance, facilitate coordination, and recommend corrections as needed.

What is the composition of the City Level Mission Directorate in HRIDAY?

The City Level Mission Directorate, chaired by a senior officer, implements projects at the city level. It is supported by a PMU comprising urban planners, heritage specialists, engineers, financial experts, and support staff. Their roles include project implementation, coordination, and monitoring.

References

Guidelines
https://mohua.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/GuidelinesHRIDAY.pdf
Official Source
https://mohua.gov.in/cms/hariday.php

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Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of HRIDAY: Heritage City Development & Augmentation Yojana?
HRIDAY: Heritage City Development & Augmentation Yojana is a government welfare initiative designed to support Infra, NGO, Government Organisation, State Government through benefits related to Transport & Infrastructure, financial assistance, subsidies, social welfare, healthcare, education, or livelihood support.
Who can apply for HRIDAY: Heritage City Development & Augmentation Yojana?
Eligibility for HRIDAY: Heritage City Development & Augmentation Yojana may depend on factors such as income category, age, gender, occupation, state of residence, social category, and government-defined beneficiary criteria.
What benefits are offered under HRIDAY: Heritage City Development & Augmentation Yojana?
Benefits under HRIDAY: Heritage City Development & Augmentation Yojana may include financial assistance, subsidies, scholarships, insurance support, healthcare benefits, pension support, training assistance, or welfare services depending on the scheme guidelines.
Which department manages HRIDAY: Heritage City Development & Augmentation Yojana?
HRIDAY: Heritage City Development & Augmentation Yojana is managed by Ministry Of Tourism and may be implemented through district offices, online portals, CSC centres, banks, or authorised government agencies.
Can users apply online for HRIDAY: Heritage City Development & Augmentation Yojana?
Yes, eligible applicants may be able to apply online for HRIDAY: Heritage City Development & Augmentation Yojana through official government portals, authorised service centres, or digital application systems depending on the implementation process.
Is Aadhaar mandatory for HRIDAY: Heritage City Development & Augmentation Yojana?
Many government schemes may require Aadhaar verification, identity proof, or linked bank account details for beneficiary validation and direct benefit transfer processing.
Where can users apply for HRIDAY: Heritage City Development & Augmentation Yojana?
Applications for HRIDAY: Heritage City Development & Augmentation Yojana may be submitted through government departments, official scheme portals, CSC centres, district offices, welfare departments, or authorised service centres.
What documents may be required for HRIDAY: Heritage City Development & Augmentation Yojana?
Applicants may need Aadhaar card, income certificate, residence proof, bank account details, caste certificate, photographs, educational records, or occupation-related documents depending on scheme eligibility requirements.
Is HRIDAY: Heritage City Development & Augmentation Yojana a central government scheme?
Yes, HRIDAY: Heritage City Development & Augmentation Yojana is a central government welfare initiative that may be implemented across multiple states through authorised departments and agencies.
Can CSC centres help users apply for HRIDAY: Heritage City Development & Augmentation Yojana?
Many government schemes may be accessible through nearby CSC centres, authorised digital service centres, or welfare facilitation offices.
How can users check the latest updates for HRIDAY: Heritage City Development & Augmentation Yojana?
Users should verify official notifications, department announcements, application deadlines, and eligibility updates through authorised government portals or implementing agencies.
Are there deadlines for applying to HRIDAY: Heritage City Development & Augmentation Yojana?
Some schemes may operate through fixed application windows, annual registration cycles, or department-specific deadlines depending on scheme implementation policies.
Can beneficiaries track application status for HRIDAY: Heritage City Development & Augmentation Yojana?
Certain schemes may provide online application tracking, beneficiary verification systems, or status-check facilities through official portals.
Where can users get help for HRIDAY: Heritage City Development & Augmentation Yojana in All India?
Users in All India may seek assistance through CSC centres, district welfare offices, government departments, agriculture offices, social welfare departments, or authorised facilitation centres.
Which nearby public services may help with HRIDAY: Heritage City Development & Augmentation Yojana applications?
Depending on the scheme, users may require support from Aadhaar centres, CSC centres, banks, hospitals, post offices, or government welfare offices for document verification and application assistance.