Question : MAINTENANCE OF TAJ MAHAL BY PRIVATE SECTOR

(a) whether the Government have handed over the task of preservation and up-gradation of facilities at the Taj Mahal to a private company;

(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the reasons therefor;

(c) the terms and conditions thereof;

(d) whether this was done after a competitive bidding;

(e) if not, whether the agreement between the two parties observe transparency;

(f) if so, the details thereof;

(g) whether the Archaeological Survey of India still have the actual authority for upkeep and maintenance of the monument;

(h) if not, whether the awarded company has the necessary technical expertise to upkeep and maintenance of the Taj Mahal;

(i) if not, the reasons for giving responsibility for maintenance to it; and

(j) the remedial steps taken in this regard?

MINISTER OF TOURISM AND CULTURE (SHRI ANANTH KUMAR)


(a)to(j) No, Sir. The Archaeological Survey of India have concluded a Memorandum of Understanding with the Indian Hotels Company Ltd., under the aegis of the National Culture Fund which enables private individuals, public/private sector/corporates to fund projects for conservation of monuments, which is executed by the Archaeological Survey of India alone. However, creation of tourist-related facilities and improvement of the environment around the centrally protected monument can be promoted directly by these agencies under strict terms and conditions laid down by the Archaeological Survey of India.