International Women’s Day: All ASI Protected Monuments To Have Free Entry For Women Visitors Tomorrow

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Union Minister of State for Culture & Tourism (Independent Charge), Shri Prahlad Singh Patel has announced that All Archaeological Survey of India protected ticketed monuments including Taj Mahal will be free for all women visitors from India and across the world, said a statement from the Ministry of Culture.

Patel further said that it is a small tribute from the Ministry of Culture to the women power of the world.

The monuments where free entry will be allowed for women visitors will include Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, Taj Mahal, Sun Temple in Konark, Mamallapuram, Ellora caves, Khajuraho monuments, and the Ajanta caves.

The ASI has also issued a circular in this regard. “In exercise of the powers conferred under Rule 6 of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Rules, 1959, the ASI Director General hereby directs that no fee shall be charged from women visitors to all centrally protected ticked monuments on March 8 (Sunday) on International Women’s Day,” the ASI circular said.

Patel also talked about the initiatives taken by the ASI and Tourism Ministry for women tourists' convenience.

“We have made sure that monuments across the country have baby feeding/childcare rooms. The service is available at the Taj Mahal,” Patel said.

The Ministry has also deployed women security guards at these monuments, along with separate entry and exit points for women at some monuments like Red Fort and Taj Mahal.

(With inputs from IANS)