ID proof mandatory for buying R–Day tickets this year

New Delhi, January 19:   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 January 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 Raisi Hills to India Gate.  (IANS)