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Vijayawada
Visakhapatnam
Cut the coat according to cloth
Yes, the Government is fully justified in cutting down on fund-allocation for the ensuing Pushkarams. It is a pathetic situation that instead of developing the infrastructure required to host such big events on a regular basis, the authorities concerned have almost made it a practice to wake up from slumber at the eleventh hour which results in such sorry state of affairs.
The new Congress government in the State, at the moment, is busy reviewing the budgetary allocations for various projects and any approval can be made only after weighing the pros and cons of each aspect.
In the local municipal council, meanwhile, there is no consensus among members on various issues. This leaves a wide scope for misappropriation of funds even if they are allocated. I, thus, feel that the amount being granted by the Government for undertaking Pushkaram-related works should be spent judiciously.
M.Annapurna Devi
S.V.D.S.L.College,
Vijayawada.
Yes, cut in Pushkaram funds is justified. One cannot underplay the significance of the event which comes once in 12 years. But, at the same time, it is not necessary to spend crores of rupees on the religious carnival ignoring several other core issues. The Government has already announced supply of free power to the agriculture sector besides waiver of farm loans. Against this backdrop, a heavy budget for Pushkaramas would prove to be an additional burden on the State exchequer.
One should draw lessons from the Godavari Pushkarams for which the State spent around Rs. 120 crores but one did not see a major change. The government could have instead, diverted the same amount for a more constructive measure.
U.Aparna,
Satyanarayanapuram,
Vijayawada.
There is no denying the fact that it is the duty of the State government to make adequate arrangements at the bathing ghats and other places across the city to facilitate the scores of pilgrims expected to throng the place during the ensuing 12-day Pushkarams. But, going by the ground realities on the financial front, the State could be, by and large, justified for effecting a cut in the Pushkaram funds.
The district administration would do well to ensure judicious use of the available funds. The departments concerned should take extra care to prevent misuse of the limited funds and opt for prudent spending. The beautification works which are usually associated with such events, progress at a snail's pace. The new Congress Government in the State should take a serious view of it and come down heavily on the corrupt, lethargic and negligent staff of its various departments.
U. Manoj Chandra,
R.V.R & J.C College of Engineering,
Guntur
No, there should not be a cut in funds for Pushkaram works. People across the State attach great sanctity to the much-awaited religious fete which comes after a long wait of 12 months. Since thousands of pilgrims from every nook and corner of the State are expected to visit the place for a holy dip in the Krishna, the authorities concerned ought to make elaborate arrangements for the grand event.
The district administration needs funds to undertake works like construction of bathing ghats besides beautification projects. The event has been a major crowd-puller and any attempt to underplay its importance may prove to be disastrous for the history of Vijayawada.
B.Santosh Kumar,
Gogineni hostel,
Andhra Loyola College
The government has allocated sufficient funds for undertaking works aimed at catering to the basic needs of the pilgrims visiting the city to be a part of the 12-day Krishna Pushkarams, without compromising on the quality factor. A cut in the Pushkaram funds should not be viewed in a negative sense as the allocated funds, if put to proper use, are sufficient to make Pushkarams a smooth affair. Grant of funds in abundance also provides enough scope for mismanagement of a religious affair. Moreover, the government has other focus areas which are far more important than Pushkarams.
K.Sameera,
II B.Tech., EEE
LBRCE
Of all the countries in the world, India has a rich culture and a glorious civilisation. People of this country take immense pride in their cultural diversity, religious beliefs and traditional rituals.
The Krishna Pushkarams come only once in every 12 years when people from different parts of the world visit the city to watch and imbibe the spiritual heritage of this soil. The place turns a major tourist attraction during Pushkarams. Many temples across the district are in a dilapidated state. They need urgent repairs while many others need to be renovated. Without adequate funds at its disposal, the district administration will not be in a position to lure tourists to the place besides, there is a danger of the grand event being reduced to a `bare necessity' affair.
T.Chaitanya,
Centre of English Studies.
India is a sacred place which can boast of a glorious civilization. A perfect blend of rich and colourful cultures has turned the place the cynosure of all eyes across the globe. A celestial event like `Pushkaram' coming once in 12 years, is a perfect platform to showcase our rich culture to the world. People from distant places come to the city to take a holy dip in river Krishna during the 12-day carnival.
I feel that the government should rethink on its stand and allocate more funds to enable the district administration conduct the event in a befitting manner. We need to spend huge amounts on works like constructuction of bathing ghats and renovation of temples besides beautification of the entire city. A slash in the funds would also have an adverse impact on the morale of the district officials who are involved in execution of the works. I, therefore, strongly oppose a cut in Pushkaram funds.
N.Saieesh,
VIIth , Scope, Poranki
Vijayawada is gearing up to host the `much-awaited' Krishna Pushkarams paving way for beautification of the city in the process. Wide roads with halogen lamps, traffic lights and road-dividers have changed the shape of the city in just a year. Though a difficult task, it was made possible by dedicated officials, workers who toiled round-the-clock to match the pace of time. A cut in Pushkaram funds would not only hamper the work but more importantly, it would dampen the spirits of the district machinery. Huge funds are needed to cater to the requirements of the pilgrims and ensuring basic amenities to them during their visit to the city. I certainly don't appreciate the Government compromising in terms of standards in the conduct of a grand event like Pushkarams. One cannot be expected to compromise on bare necessities just because the State economy, according to the Government, is in doldrums.
Jeelani Ahmed,
Ramachandrapuram
Vijayawada.
That Pushkarams comes only once in twelve years indicates the significance of the event. The Government cannot shun its responsibility by showing empty hands to the district administration. Minimum works like a vigorous cleanliness drive, construction and renovation of temples, beautification and provision of recreational facilities to the pilgrims since it is a 12-day religious carnival, is expected to be undertaken on the part of the district officials. The government is absolutely unjust in denying adequate funds for successful conduct of Pushkarams.
G.P.V.P.Jyothi Bose,
Chittinagar,
Vijayawada
The State cannot be found fault with for effecting a slash in Pushkaram funds. I believe in social welfare rather than ostentation. Ours is a poor nation with limited resources. I feel each penny of the public money should be put to proper use aiming at benefiting the society as a whole. Against this backdrop, being lavish in the conduct of Pushkarams would tantamount to a crime on the part of the State government. With due respect for people's religious sentiments, I would request them to act wise and take note of the ground realities before pointing an accusing finger at the Government. Additional funds being sought for the event could be diverted for a more constructive purpose like improving the irrigation scenario in the State.
M.Sri Harsha,
BITS, PILANI
Vijayawada.
Celebration of religious and cultural events on a grand scale is a way of life in India. The Pushkarams conducted on the banks of river Krishna draw a large number of piligrims to the place from all corners of the country. We should take pride in the fact that we have inherited a spiritual legacy which enables us to pay respects to the departed souls in our family by participating in the pushkara rituals.
It is highly unfortunate that instead of concentrating on measures to curb corruption and extravegance, the government is denying adequate funds to the Krishna district administration for successful conduct of the religious event.
Shruti Kongara,
Guntur.
In my view, the State government has taken a right decision to cut down on unnecessary expenditure. The government has been stressing on minimising the budget for Krishna Pushkarams to curb unwanted expenditure. The State, however, should not compromise on extension of basic amenities like drinking water and construction of toilets and bathing ghats for the piligrim. I would advise the officials to act prudent while spending the funds available for the purpose.
N.Yateesh Parikshit,
Vignan School Of P.G. Studies ,
Guntur.
The Pushkaram is a religious occasion for Hindus. It comes once in twelve years. The Congress government which has come to power in the State has effected a drastic cut in the funds allocated for conduct of Krishna Pushkaramas by its predecessor, the Telugu Desam Party. It is ridiculous that the Government proposes to allocate a paltry sum for the event which is far less than what was allocated for Godavari Pushkarams, an event of less importance when compared to the Krishna Pushkarams.
But, there is a flip side of the whole issue. A major chunk of the funds allocated for Pushkarams are subjected to gross corruption and misappropriation by those involved in execution of various projects. The government, thus, should divert the amount for a constructive cause like the irrigation projects or any other key sector.
G.V.M.Krishna Kishore
Westin College of Hotel Management
Vijayawada.
The Krishna Pushkarams scheduled to start from the last week of August, is marked by gaiety and religious fervour in the entire region. It is a common belief that a holy dip in river Krishna during the festival period could rid people of several ailments besides enabling them to pay their respects to the dead members of their families. Lakhs of devotees throng the river during Pushkarams to grab the opportunity. The government should ask different department heads to co-ordinate and ensure the pilgrims' welfare. It is the responsibility of the Government to provide all facilities and therefore, funds for the purpose should not be curtailed under any circumstances.
P.Panduranga Rao
Mogalrajpuram,
Vijayawada.
Yes, the cut in Pushkaram funds is quite justified. In the name of Pushkaram works, the previous government had approved crores of rupees but the present government run by the Congress party aptly decided to cut the allocation. It is a common knowledge that a large part of these funds are swindled by erring officials, staff and contractors, executing the works. Instead, the funds could be utilised for public utility and poverty-alleviation.
The present allocation made by the government should be sufficient to provide basic infrastructure and amenities for the purpose. The State is facing an unprecedented drought situation forcing farmers to commit suicides. Against this backdrop, allocation of huge funds for Pushkarams would be unwise and even foolish.
T.Praneeth Chowdary,
Tender Wonder Educational,
Poranki
The State is facing an economic crisis. Under such circumstances, it would not be wise on the part of the government to allocate crores of rupees for conduct of Krishna Pushkarams, scheduled to take place in August this year. I congratulate our Chief Minister, Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy for taking such a wise decision. A leader of his stature ought to be practical while taking crucial decisions pertaining to the State.
Athota Deepti,
Guntur.
A holy dip in Krishna river during Pushkarams is considered to be of great significance by Hindus. It is widely believed that a person can atone for his sins by taking a dip in Krishna during the carnival. During Godavari Pushkarams, the government made excellent arrangements like construction of bathing ghats alongside the river. Sanitation, drinking water, illumination, medical facilities, roads, transportation, law and order and a cultural bonanza embellished the event and pilgrims returned home with a great sense of satisfaction. The Government should rise to the occasion and conduct Krishna Pushkarams on the same lines. Voluntary organizations should come forward to contribute their mite in making the event a grand success.
N.Ramalakshmi,
Gurunanak Road,
Vijayawada.
In my opinion, cut in Pushkaram funds is not justified because it would have an adverse impact on the on-going works. A holy dip in Krishna river during Pushkarams is a religious practice and the government decision may hurt the sentiments of the Hindus., in order to reduce malpractice proper actions are to be taken. The erring officials in various departments involved in execution of works will not compromise on their share of the commissions in the allotted funds. Thus, one can imagine the end result of the works carried out with such meager funds.
K.Aruna Kumari,
M.B.A. ICFAI National College
Vijayawada.
The slash of funds allotted for Pushkarams is justified. One cannot find fault with the Congress government for its decision since it is not guilty of making any volte face on the issue. The TDP government had approved huge funds for the purpose but the present
Government chose to observe austerity measures.
It's main priority is to provide the promised free power to farmers and complete the pending projects. This, however, does not undermine the importance of Pushkarams. The Government allocation for the purpose is quite reasonable and therefore, there is no need for anyone to crib over the issue.
G.Prasanthi,
MBA, ICFAI National College,
Vijayawada.
I feel it is the responsibility of the government to respect the feelings and beliefs of the people. The much-awaited religious carnival comes only once in 12 years. It is a an event related to rivers and Hindus attach great sanctity to rivers. The government act of drastically curtailing the Pushkaram funds would only tantamount to disrespect to the religious belief of people across the State. I would thus, request the State machinery to reconsider its stand on the issue.
R.Naga Jyothi,
MBA, ICFAI National College
Vijayawada
A change in the Government between Godavari and Krishna Pushkarams has led to the present situation. The allocated sum for the purpose by the previous government has been slashed by the present one. The decision is right because the facilities to be provided to the Pushkaram pilgrims would be temporary. The State government, with an empty exchequer at its disposal, cannot afford to make the Pushkarams a lavish affair. The State is also under tremendous pressure for an early solution to the farmers' problems. Under these circumstances, it would be wise on its part to make judicious use of the available funds.
K.Varada Reddy,
MBA, ICFAI National College,
Vijayawada.
Religion is a part of the Indian lifestyle. We are used to celebrate all festivals, whether big or small, with a great sense of devotion. Under such a situation, it becomes the responsibility of the government to keep in view people's religious sentiments.
A great deal of sanctity is attached to an event like Pushkarams. People from different walks of life come to the bathing ghats to atone for their sins. The government ought to make adequate arrangements for safety and welfare of the pilgrims.
The government would do well to reconsider its stand keeping in view the religious sentiments of scores of people who are eagerly waiting for Pushkarams.
A.Mallika,
MBA, ICFAI National College,
Vijayawada
Celebration of any festival or any other special occasion in a household depends mainly on its financial budget. Similar is the case with the State government which has many other priority issues craving for attention. The farmers' issue is a long-pending problem which needs to be tackled immediately to stop the suicide-spree among the hapless community. It is the minimum responsibility of the government to allocate funds for farmers' welfare. If the government acts wisely by diverting the Pushkaram funds for the farmers' welfare, then there is absolutely no reason for anyone to find fault with its decision.
B.V.R.Mohan Rao,
ICFAI National College
Vijayawada.
The decision to slash the pushkaram funds is unjustifiable. The idea of is undoubtedly going to have an abysmal effect. The impact would be on the visitors who descend from all corners of our country. It would be a sordid experience for them, if they are not provided with basic amenities. Let's consider the Godavari pushkarams. After making the top of the line arrangements, there were still areas which were displeasing and concerning the visitors. Is Krishna pushkaram by anymeans less than Godavari pushkarams? The verdict of the government to impose a cut on the money to be spent on publicity is unscrupulous. Without publicity, how are people going to know the significance of it? And also, how will they be able to know the duration at which it is set to occur.
G.Gautam
3rd Year B.Tech (C.S.E)
P.V.P.S.I.T
Vijayawada
Pushkarams come along once in 12 years and are celebrated for 12 days. Many people believe it's holy and sacred to have a dip in the river during pushkaram period. Providing basic amenities and security to the people during this huge carnival is the duty of the government. But spending hefty sums for extraordinary facilities for this temporary period is unjustifiable.
As of now, this is of more concern because the State is already facing hardship due to drought and famine and perhaps government's low resources might have made the cut in pushkaram funds inevitable.
M.Kranthi KumarPhysiotherapist
Guntur.
No, I don't think cut in pushkaram funds is justifiable. Thousands of people across the country come to take a dip in the holy river during the pushkaram period. Shortage of funds only means inadequate facilities. Proper sanitation and bathing facilities can't be provided for the people. Reduction of funds can only lead to various contagious diseases and epidemics to the people. Misuse of funds during the Godavari pushkarams period can't justify the cutting of expenditure for Krishna pushkarams. The works may be completed within the given period with lesser funds, but without quality. So adequate funds should be used to beautify the place and also make it comfortable for the people.
Harika.P.
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