CPI (M) objects to govt's MoU with pvt firm to maintain Red Fort

The CPI(M) today objected to the government's decision to allow a private entity to maintain the iconic Red Fort.

According to an MoU signed between the Ministry of Tourism and the Dalmia Bharat Limited, the latter would maintain the monument and build basic infrastructure around it and has committed a sum of Rs 25 crore for the purpose over a period spanning five years.

The Left party in a statement said the government "virtually handed over the Red Fort to the Dalmia group for a period of five years in exchange of Rs 25 crore".

"The Dalmia group in its press release said they will have to own it for five years initially' and the agreement gives them the freedom to make the Dalmia brand prominently visible.

"It has the right to use its brand name on all kinds of publicity material to be displayed during events organized at the site and also on all signage. In fact, it will be allowed to proclaim in a prominently displayed sign that the Red Fort has been adopted by Dalmia Bharat Limited," the CP(M) statement read.

The party reminded the government that the Parliamentary Committee that went into the issue of handing over heritage sites to private entities had "decided against this unanimously".

The CPI(M) urged the government to rescind its decision.