In response to the fake guide scandal that unfolded at the Taj Mahal nearly a year ago, the local police have taken action by initiating a new VIP protocol applicable to all of Agra's monuments. This protocol now necessitates that prior permission from the district administration is obtained before engaging any guide for VIP tours.
In the course of this year, a series of unsettling incidents transpired, involving the recruitment of counterfeit or unauthorized guides by VIP tour organizing agencies. Notably, such incidents involved distinguished figures such as the US Naval Secretary and the Defense Minister of Vietnam, thereby causing significant diplomatic embarrassment for India.
As a result of the investigations carried out in connection with these episodes, a case was officially registered against a fake guide by the Agra Tourism Police, specifically in response to the incident involving the US Naval Secretary.
Subsequent to the filing of this case, a prominent guide named Deepak Daan expressed reservations, highlighting the potential for such cases to recur if there is no permanent system in place. Acknowledging the validity of this concern, the Agra administration promptly made a decision to establish a new VIP protocol.
Under this protocol, the agency responsible for managing the VIP tour is now obligated to seek permission from the district administration at least twenty-four hours in advance of the intended appointment of the designated guide. This new system ensures a thorough verification process, involving the examination of the guide's identity card and the validation of additional details. Once the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (Taj Security) has concluded the verification process and issued the requisite permission, only then can the guide be officially appointed for the VIP tour, thus ensuring greater scrutiny and the prevention of unauthorized or counterfeit guides from participating in such tours.
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