Agra guides come up with their problems ahead of Commonwealth Games

Ahead of next year’s Commonwealth Games, the tourist guides’ association in Agra has come up with its problems.

With the countdown for the next year’s major event beginning, it is believed that Agra would be a major draw for thousands of members from athletic delegations and foreign tourists.

The tourist guides’ association says that a list of 25 experienced guides has been provided to the authorities but they are showing favouritism by promoting just a few.

The association says it would be difficult for them to provide services to the 270-member first official delegation of the Commonwealth Games arriving in Agra.

“Till today our decision is that we will not be able to provide guides to Commonwealth Games delegation. If they (protocol department) demand for 30 guides, it would be difficult to arrange for the number since there would be other assignments,” said Shamsuddin, president of the guides’ association.

However officials said they were not aware of the issue and any outstanding matter would be sorted out.

“No delegation from the guides association has met me regarding the issue so far. The issue has come before me for the first time. I will investigate the issue keeping in view the demands of the association,” said Alok Shekhar Tiwari, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Protocol, Agra.