Concerns Rise Among Historians Over New ASI Guidelines for Tourist Guides
Tighter ASI rules on guides spark concern among city historians, walk curators
The Hindu
Image: The Hindu
A recent circular by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) prohibits unlicensed individuals from serving as tourist guides at the Red Fort, raising concerns among historians and heritage conservationists. They argue that this move threatens their livelihoods and does not recognize the unique nature of heritage walks in Delhi.
- 01The ASI's December 2025 circular restricts tourist guiding to licensed individuals.
- 02Historians and heritage enthusiasts express concern over job security and harassment.
- 03Heritage walks differ from traditional tour guiding, according to local curators.
- 04The Delhi Tourism Department supports curated experiences and cultural initiatives.
- 05The new rules may disrupt a long-standing tradition of organic heritage engagement.
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In December 2025, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) issued a circular prohibiting unlicensed individuals from acting as tourist guides at the Red Fort in Delhi, India. This decision has sparked unease among historians, scholars, and heritage conservationists, who claim it jeopardizes their livelihoods and has led to harassment at historical sites over the past four months. The ASI's guidelines specify that only individuals trained and licensed by the Ministry of Tourism are permitted to provide tour and guide services. However, walk curators argue that heritage walks are fundamentally different from traditional tour guiding. They emphasize that Delhi has a rich tradition of curated heritage experiences led by historians and enthusiasts. Additionally, they highlight initiatives by the Delhi Tourism Department aimed at promoting night tourism and cultural engagement, which support the notion that these curated walks are valuable to the city's cultural landscape.
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The ASI's new guidelines could significantly affect local historians and heritage enthusiasts who rely on guiding as a source of income.
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