SINQUERIM: Is there an entry free to visit the temples, churches, mosques and other places of worship? It appears so, with the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) appointed contractor revising the entry fees for Goans at the historic Fort Aguada Jail Museum at Sinquerim. The move has drawn flak from several Goans including Freedom Fighters who have termed the rates as “exorbitant” and accused the government of just finding every possible means to generate revenue by treating the historical places as its private property.
As per the revised rates implemented by the GTDC-appointed contractor, Goans have been compelled to shell out Rs 100 each as entry fee and parking fee for a four-wheeler, while riders are charged Rs 50 at the Fort Aguada Jail Museum.
In an appeal, the Freedom fighters have called upon the government to develop interest in the State’s rich history and architectural heritage amongst youth by reducing the entry fees at the historical sites.
It is pertinent to note that the Fort Aguada Jail Museum, which was restored and renovated under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme of the Central government, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Goa’s 60th Liberation Day on December 19, 2021.
When O Heraldo visited the site, the staff at the ticket counter informed that the revised rates have been implemented since January this year.
As per the revised rates, an adult Goan is charged Rs 100, domestic tourist Rs 200 and foreign nationals Rs 400. However, freedom fighters, Armed Forces and children below eight years are exempted from paying entry fee.
Reacting strongly to the exorbitant fees, president of the Goa, Daman and Diu Freedom Fighters’ Association Gurudas Kunde said, “Government is just finding every possible means to generate revenue. They are treating our historical places as their private property. Do we pay an entry fee when we visit the temple? Opposition political parties are not taking any interest hence the government is doing what they want.”
He further said that the Goa, Daman and Diu Freedom Fighters’ Association will write to the government demanding a reduction in the entry fees for Goans.
“It’s wrong. A fee of Rs 100 is way too high. If at all the government wants to charge then they should keep minimum fees for Goans, and for students, the entry should be free,” said veteran freedom fighter Rohidas (Daad) R Desai.
Sanjeev V Sardesai, a prominent history and heritage enthusiast said, “I feel entry should not be totally free. Any development that takes place has to be sustainable. When you keep anything free there is no value given. If one feels that the fees charged are high then the person can approach the government through a proper channel with a request to reduce the same and I am sure the government will consider the request.”
Interacting with media persons at Calangute recently, Union Minister of State for Tourism Shripad Naik had opined that Goans should not be charged entry fees at Fort Aguada Jail Museum.
“We have a centrally sponsored scheme and we give grants from the scheme. We give money and the remaining day-to-day activities are looked at by the local tourism minister. I was not aware of this. This is looked after by the State Tourism Minister. Now it has been brought to my notice I will speak to the local Tourism Minister and request him to look into this matter,” Naik had said.
When contacted Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, he claimed that he has not received any such complaint or representation from any individual or organisation in this regard.
Khaunte said, “At every iconic structure and place of historical importance be it Qutub Minar or Taj Mahal people are charged. So, what is the issue here?”
A senior official of the GTDC informed that as per the agreement, the Waterfront Experiences Pvt Ltd has the liberty to decide on fees to be charged for entry.
“As per the agreement clauses, Waterfront Experiences Pvt Ltd can take a call on entry fees, they can revise the fees…increase or decrease as and when they want. We have mentioned that they cannot charge exorbitant fees however, there is no figure given by us or capping put on them. As per the agreement, they are paying Rs 1.5 crore annually to us,” the official informed.