Minister, DC differ over 'Dasara Authority'

Participating in an interaction programme organised by Mysore District Journalists Association (MDJA) here, the deputy commissioner who tabled his view preceding the minister began on a firm note saying one cannot expect magic with the constitution of an authority.

Let’s understand and try to find out solutions for the problems encountered during the mega event every year. If sorted out, 50 per cent of the problems are addressed without an Authority, asserted deputy commissioner saying ‘If there is clarity, works will go on smoothly’. He recalled his stint at Bidar as Deputy Commissioner. “The district festival was celebrated there spending Rs 1.5 crore including government grant and sponsors. In Mysore, Dasara requires a minimum of Rs three to four crore” said Harsh Gupta. Coming back to Authority, deputy commissioner felt that it needs to be systemised right from setting up of an office to staff, and look into it that they get along well with every departments. Obviously, deputy commissioner has to again play a key role in it.

To a question, he said there should be autonomy and accountability regarding financial issues.

For a poser on are there any possibilities to fix remuneration for artistes including locals and big names through a tender system, deputy commissioner said it was far from reality as artistes hike their pay as and when their popularity soars. The authorities pay them only after crosschecking their payments in the recent programmes conducted elsewhere.
Ramdas said he was not under illusion about setting things right with the authority.
However, one cannot take decisions without elected representatives, as is the system. He sought 90 days time to take a decision on the formation of the Authority.

Referring to a suggestion by senior journalist Krishna Vattam to tag Karnataka Exhibition Authority (KEA) that has been restricted to Dasara Exhibition every year with Dasara Authority, if formed, Ramdas said he doesn’t have any reservations on it.

Following a query, the minister said he has already apprised the Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa over the proposed move.

Krishna Vattam succinctly said that the authority should be represented by persons without any selfish motives. He went on a nostalgic tour rewinding Dasara that was revived as a State festival during Gundurao as a Chief Minister in 1980.

Historian Prof P V Nanjaraj Urs said the authority should be a body of unbiased people, as the very purpose of ‘navarathri’ celebrated with grandeur by the Wadiyars, has lost its sheen in the present days. Nowadays, it has become  tourism oriented Dasara, restricted to Mysore district. The authorities concerned have to take a clear stand on it.