Dalmia-group adopts Red Fort, Congress accuses Centre of 'privatizing' Indian-heritage
The Congress questioned BJP led Centre on Saturday after corporate group, Dalmia Bharat adopted the Red Fort for five years at a cost of Rs. 25 crore. The Opposition alleged the government was 'privatizing' India's heritage and asked about the next monument which would be made a private entity. The Dalmia Bharat Limited signed an MoU with the Tourism department, earlier this week.
After handing over the Red Fort to the Dalmia group, which is the next distinguished location that the BJP government will lease out to a private entity? #IndiaSpeaks
— Congress (@INCIndia) April 28, 2018
The adoption of the monument, built by Mughals, is a part of the Tourism Department's 'Adopt a Heritage' project. By signing the MoU, the Dalmia group became a 'Monument Mitra' and is assigned to look after the operations and maintenance of the Red Fort for the stipulated time. Tourism Minister KJ Alphons and other senior officials were present during the inking of the deal.
After the deal was signed, Managing Director of Dalmia Group, Puneet Dalmia said it was the group's honor to adopt one of India's top heritage sites. He said the group took pride in India's culture and would add value to the Red Fort in every way possible. President Kovind launched the 'Adopt A Heritage' (Apni Dharohar Apni Pehchan Project) scheme on September 27, 2017.
