23rd September, 2015
 
To, All Members, 
 
Dear colleagues, 
 
SUB: ASI proposes to increase entry Fee for ASI Monuments.
 
You may be aware, Archaeological Survey of India has proposed to increase the entry fee for all the ASI monuments. It is proposed to increase the entry fee for the foreign tourists as per following:- 
 
For Category A monuments  -  from Rs. 250 to Rs. 750
For Category B monuments -  from Rs. 100 to Rs. 300
 
However, we have taken up the matter with Hon’ble Minister for Tourism and Culture and also have taken up with Secretary Tourism, Secretary Culture, DG, ASI and PMO.  A copy of the letter is enclosed for your easy reference.   
 
We are trying to seek an appointment with the Hon’ble Tourism & Culture Minister and shall keep you update with the development. 
 
With regards, 
 
Pronab Sarkar
Hony. Secretary 

 
DEL/296/2105                       14th September 2015 
 
Dr. Mahesh Sharma
Minister of State for Tourism & Culture (IC)
and Minister of State for Civil Aviation
Government of India
Transport Bhawan
New Delhi - 110011  
 
Hon’ble Minister Sir,
 
Greetings from IATO ! 
 
We would like to draw your kind attention to the Extraordinary Gazette notification dated 31st July, 2015 issued by ASI (Ministry of Culture) regarding the proposal for increasing entry fees at ASI monuments and seeking public opinion/suggestions there on.  
 
As per the notification, it is proposed that all monuments under ASI in category A, where the entrance tickets is Rs. 250 per person would be increased to Rs. 750 per person and in case of monuments under Category B,  where the entry fees is Rs. 100/-, would be increased to Rs. 300 per person. 
 
The notification says that if any one has any objection/suggestions, should inform the concerned department within 45 days of the issuance of this notification. However, this Gazette Notification came to our notice yesterday only.
 
Sir, on behalf of the tourism industry and all our members, I would like to mention that such increase will be a deterrent for sustainable growth of tourism. The international tourism business in India is down since last two years due to global economic downturn, natural calamities & terrorist threats and we have not recovered from these setbacks. Therefore, we suggest/recommend the following:- 
 
- This increase should be deferred till 31st March 2017 at least. 
- Thereafter, sometime in September 2016, ASI, MOT and IATO should sit down and then decide about this increase, which should not be more than 50% of the present rates rounded off to nearest Rs. 50/- / nearest  Rs. 100/-
- Then on 1st October 2016, a notification should be issued by ASI that these would be the revised rates and would be effective from 01 April 2017. 
  
It is the dream of our Prime Minster to increase the foreign tourist inflow to India which will help generating employments and valuable foreign exchange and such an increase by ASI will shatter the dreams of our Hon’ble Prime Minister. 
 
Sir, may I request your kind intervention in the matter to ensure that that this sudden and exorbitant increase is not implemented and our above suggestions are taken into consideration for making any increase in the entrance fee. This will help in sustainable growth of Indian Tourism.
 
Thanking you and with best regards, 
 
I remain, sincerely yours,
 
Subhash Goyal
President