The Hindu : Karnataka News : More funds sought for Dasara festivities

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Friday, Aug 10, 2007
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Karnataka

Karnataka

More funds sought for Dasara festivities

Special Correspondent

Expenditure estimated at
Rs. 2.5 cr this year

BANGALORE: The Mysore district administration has sought more funds from the State Government to hold the annual Mysore Dasara festival in a grand manner from October 12. The estimated expenditure for conducting various festivities this year has been put at Rs. 2.5 crore.

A high-level meeting chaired by Cooperation Minister G.T. Deve Gowda, who is in-charge of Mysore district, on Thursday discussed various issues and problems that cropped up during the festival. But the meeting ended inconclusively following the absence of Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy. The Chief Minister directed Mr. Deve Gowda to convene the meeting on Monday.

Mysore Deputy Commissioner S. Selvakumar, who briefed on Dasara programmes, said the Government had set aside Rs. 75 lakh for this year’s festival to be held form October 12 to 21. The administration had spent Rs. 1.93 crore last year.

The administration required more financial support from the Government for conducting several cultural and sports programmes during the 10-day festival.

The festival draws huge crowds from all across India and abroad. I.M. Vittalamurthy, Principal Secretary, Kannada and Culture Department, said the tourists from abroad come to Mysore to see the special programmes during the festival and in particular the last day’s Dasara procession. All steps to be taken to showcase the festivities to attract more tourists during the festival and later. As many as 25 lakh tourists visited the Mysore Palace in 2006, he said.

Invitations

To avoid crowd during the festivities, he suggested to Mr. Deve Gowda to stop giving free passes by the district administration. Instead of passes, dignitaries could be given invitations which would help the authorities maintain discipline during the cultural programmes.

Minister for Kannada and Culture H.S. Mahadeva Prasad, Minister for Muzrai and Fisheries B. Nagaraj Shetty, MLAs Tanvir Sait and Sunita Veerappa Gowda and officials of Mysore Urban Development Authority and Mysore City Corporation attended the meeting.

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