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Discrimination: The foreign tourists at Jantar Mantar (left). Two tourists at Red Fort (right) |
While at Qutub Minar Indians are charged Rs 10, foreigners have to pay Rs 250, at Safdarjung Tomb locals pay Rs 5, foreigners fish out Rs 100. The same thing is happening at Lal Quila as Indians pay Rs 15 but foreigners have to pay Rs 250 and at Purana Quila we pay Rs 5 and foreigners have to shell out Rs 100.
Archeological Survey of India says it is not responsible for this. Entry fee system was introduced many years ago, but the ASI was not behind this. It is as per the central government notification and money goes to the Central government account.
"I don't find it discriminatory. Overseas foreign visitors have to pay hefty amounts to even see the monuments of not much historical importance.
Besides, I don't think it discourages tourists anyway," said ASI Additional Director General V S Madan Madan.
However, after talking to many foreign tourists MiD DAY found that paying extra to see a historical monument is quite unpleasant for them. "I think it should be equal for all irrespective of nationality. Though few people do not mind paying extra bucks, some might find it discriminatory," said Craig at Lal Quila, a British national who is in Delhi for the past few Days.
"May be it is being done to promote tourism but I wonder why foreigners have to pay more. And India is not the exception as this is witnessed in a number of countries. But I think it should be equal for all." said Barrey, an Ireland national.
However, few foreigners said that to visit another country they don't mind spending extra bucks. "We collect lifetime memories by these visits. So I don't find any problem in spending more," said Fred Guilbert and his girlfriend Lous at Qutub Minar.
India talks about 'Atithi Devo Bhavah', but ground reality is different as foreigners have to pay hefty amount to visit the tourist spots
