AGRA: The Archeological Survey of India (ASI) has decided to make women’s entry free to all centrally protected monuments including Taj Mahal on International Women’s Day on Sunday. For the first time women will get free access to the 142 monuments across the nation.

Confirming this, Superintending Archaeologist in ASI Agra circle Vasant K Swarankar, said that all women including foreigners will get free entry to the monuments. He said eight such monuments exist in Agra including three world heritage sites.

The order was issued on Saturday by director general ASI directing all circle officers across the nation that “no fee shall be charged from women visitors to all the centrally protected ticketed monuments on March 8 on the occasion of International Women’s Day”.

While tickets for Indians costs Rs 50, foreigners have to pay Rs 1,100 for entry into Taj, besides a separate ticket of Rs 200 to the main mausoleum. Of the daily visits 40-50 per cent are women, officials said.

