No proposal to build monument in Red Fort: Govt

New Delhi, Aug 21 (UNI) Tourism Minister Ambika Soni today denied that there was any proposal to build a monument in the historic Red Fort in the memory of martyrs of the 1857 movement.

Replying to questions in the Lok Sabha, Ms Soni said there was no such proposal under consideration.

Talking about the steps to make Red Fort a World Heritage site, she said a comprehensive conservation management plan has been prepared which addresses both short and long term conservation strategies. The buffer area surrounding the Fort has been developed by appropriate landscaping and the day to day maintenance is being carried out.

The Minister said there was no move to remove military barracks that are over 100 years old as that would attract the relevant provisions of Ancient Monuments, Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958 and Rules 1959.

On any special scheme being taken up her Ministry to make the students aware of Gandhi Jayanti being declared by the UN as International Day of Non-violence, Ms Soni said there are no such plans, but Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti, autonomous bodies fully funded by the Ministry, have launched several activities like summer schools, exhibitions, discussions and creative workshops to create awareness on Gandhi Jayanti.

IGNCA: The Government was considering a proposal to restructure the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) and bring about administrative reforms through a VRS scheme.

She said that the VRS was announced in the year 2004 but could not be implemented due to financial constraints. She, however, said no steps have been taken at present as funds for implementation of this scheme are yet to be allocated.

Appu Ghar: About a question on maintenance and control of Appu Ghar, she said it was being done by M/s International Amusement Limited (IAL) and the land earlier leased to IAL has now been resumed by he Land and Development Office for being allotted to the Supreme Court.

UNI