TAXILA, Jan 21: People have accused that the canteen contractor at the Taxila Museum was fleecing visitors and requested the authorities to take notice of the high rates and sub-standard food.

The museum, with a garden, is a recreational spot in the ancient city where holiday makers and tourists come to enjoy the historical sites of the Gandhara civilization. It is also a stop-over to the people travelling towards Hazara and the Northern Areas. But these people, specially those with their families are being suffered from the highhandedness of the canteen staff.

Local and foreigner tourists alleged that the contractor charges Rs20 for a cold drink which is available at Rs12 in the market.

Muzamil Shah, who came to see the museum along with his family, alleged that he was charged Rs15 for a cup of tea and “that was not good in quality”. When protested the staff misbehaved with him, he alleged.

Lee Sho, a foreigner, said that he was served with half- cooked food at a high price. When tried to lodge a complain no official was available.

Many visitors complained that there was no price-list displayed and no official was available to check the situation.

They alleged that the contractor was an influential person of the area and the local administration and the archeology department was not taking any action against him.— Correspondent