New Delhi, Apr 28 (TOI): The Congress today accused the government of "privatising" India's heritage after a corporate group, Dalmia Bharat, signed a contract with the Ministry of Tourism to adopt the iconic Mughal-era monument, Red Fort, for next five years at a cost of Rs 25 crore.

"After handing over the Red Fort to the Dalmia group, which is the next distinguished location that the BJP government will lease out to a private entity?" The Congress party said in a tweet.

Earlier this week, the Dalima Bharat Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ministry of Tourism for adoption of Red Fort monument under the 'Adopt a Heritage' project. By signing the contract, the Dalmia Bharat Limited became a part of 'Monument Mitras', a group of various private sector companies assigned to look after the operations and the maintenance of this heritage site for the next five years.

The MoU was signed in the presence of KJ Alphons, Hon'ble Minister of State for Tourism (Independent Charge) and other senior officials of Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Talking about the signing of MoU, Mr. Puneet Dalmia, Managing Director, Dalmia Bharat Group said, "We are very honoured to have adopted one of the India's top heritage sites. At Dalmia Bharat, we take pride in Indian culture and practise it at the workplace. For us, it is an extension of what we believe in. Adopting a Heritage Project is a unique endeavour by Ministry of Tourism which envisions in developing monuments, heritage and tourist sites across India to enhance their tourism potential and cultural importance. We look forward to adding value to India's heritage sites in every possible manner."

The 'Adopt A Heritage' scheme (Apni Dharohar Apni Pehchan Project) was launched by President of India on World Tourism Day (27th September 2017). Under it, private, public sector companies and corporate individuals are invited to adopt heritage sites and to take up responsibility for making them and promote sustainable tourism through conservation and development under their Corporate Social Responsibility activities.