On Saturday the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated the “Dharohar” that showcases the glorious legacy of Indian Customs and Goods and Service Tax at the centuries old Blue Building, Panaji. The entry fees are Rs 10 for Indian citizen, Rs 50 for foreigners and free for students. In museums and other historic places (e.g., Mahabalipuram, Taj Mahal etc.) the entry fees are less for Indians and several times more for foreigners. In most countries, entry to museums is either free for all or the charges are the same for everyone, whether locals or foreigners. India has enough financial resources to make entry free and this would encourage people to visit museums and other places of interest.
Incidentally, even in seminars, symposia and conferences the foreign delegates are asked to pay several times more for registration than the Indian delegates. Inspite of doing so, they do not get any additional benefits in terms of food or other treatment. The overcharging of foreigners is a gross discriminatory step and detestable and unfair to them. On one hand we promote tourism in India by claiming that ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ (Guest is God) and on the other we fleece them to enter historic places and as registration fees.
