Dasara Takes a Hit, Rs 11-crore Cut in Funds

MYSURU: The state government has reduced the funds for this year’s Dasara festivities from `15 crore to `4 crore. This comes in the wake of the government deciding to conduct the Dasara celebrations in a simple manner due to drought and farmer suicides.

All steps will be taken to cut down unwanted expenses, District In-charge Minister V Srinivasa Prasad told reporters here on Saturday. Also, a progressive farmer will inaugurate the festivities atop the Chamundi Hills, he added.

He further said that the main focus of the events will be to instil confidence among the farmers by conducting Raitha Dasara, exhibitions to educate farmers on modern technology and progressive farming methods among others. 

“There will be no lengthy speeches by elected representatives at Raitha Dasara ... only progressive farmers and scientists will be allowed to speak,” Prasad said.

However, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will speak on the decision to have a low-key Dasara and steps taken by his government to check farmer suicides.

The chief minister will also inaugurate the Dasara music festival in front of the Mysuru Palace. The Dasara Executive Committee meeting has invited tribal and folk artistes and the police band to perform in front of the illuminated palace, he added. District-level sports meet, state-level marathon and nine-day wrestling events will be held, the minister added.

20 Tableaux

Prasad said that the Dasara procession will have 20 tableaux of various departments that will focus on reasons for farmer suicides, highlight the need to conserve water and judicious use of power.

Only 5 km of the total 12 km raja patha will be illuminated to save power, he said and added that the power saved will be diverted to rural areas. He said that there will be no illumination of government and heritage structures in the city.

Clarifying that there will be no ex-offico members in the Dasara sub-committees, he said that such committees will be headed by officers.