By Alok Singh,
New Delhi : Spectators coming from outside Delhi to watch the Republic Day parade this year are facing a tough time getting tickets as showing identity proof is a must – thanks to the stringent security in place for the Jan 26 event that will have US President Barack Obama as the chief guest.
The ministry of defence (MOD), which is in-charge of the over two-hour-long parade at Rajpath, has made it mandatory to show identity proof like a voter ID card, Aadhar card or state government-issued identity proof – for purchasing tickets.
“Due to the heightened security and the presence of the US president we have made ID proof compulsory for ticket buyers,” an official at a ticket counter in South Block in central Delhi told IANS.
This has caused a problem for those purchasing tickets for relatives or friends staying outside Delhi.
“I came two days back to buy ticket for my relatives who live in Bhopal. But at the ticket counter I got to know that without the identity poof of my relatives they will not issue tickets,” Abhishket Dutt, a resident of Ghaziabad, told IANS.
“So I had to come again with the scanned copy of their IDs along with mine,” Dutt said.
This year the MoD has also limited the category of tickets being sold to Rs 10, Rs.50 and Rs.300. Earlier, there used to be other categories, of Rs.200 and Rs.250.
Of the total 36 enclosures spanning the two sides of Rajpath, only six are for ticketed spectators.
Those paying Rs.300 sit closer to the VIP enclosures, while those purchasing the lower amount tickets get seats farther away.
Every year 30,000 people, including VVIPs and dignitaries, watch the ceremonial parade showcasing India’s military might and cultural glimpses along Rajpath, which extends for three kilometres from Raisina Hills to India Gate.
Delhi Police officers have said they would ensure security for the parade.
The security steps for the parade have been planned in consultation with the MoD and the home ministry.
Those sitting near the VIP lounge have been given passes only after scanning and verifying their identity proof.
Like in previous years, no eatables or any metallic objects would be allowed at Rajpath.
Police have also ruled out the possibility of using drones saying they don’t want anything to be flying in the sky during the parade.
The buildings adjoining the venue, like North and South Blocks, Rail Bhavan, Krishi Bhavan, Shastri Bhavan, Vayu Bhavan, Udyog Bhavan, Nirman Bhavan, Jawahar Bhavan, National Museum and Vigyan Bhavan will be shut by Jan 25. Only security personnel will be allowed inside the buildings.
(Alok Singh can be contacted at [email protected])