Dasara 2010: Hard time awaits officials

For, the first meeting to decide on the budget, with Chief Minister chairing it, will take place only by August 12, leaving less than 60 days for the officers to plan the nine-day extravaganza. Dasara will begin on October 8. The government which declared Dasara as ‘Nada Habba’ last year, is yet to formalise it with a Gazette notification.

The preliminary meeting is scheduled to be held on July 31, with key officers on formation of panels and committees to organise the events during the festivities.
Speaking to Deccan Herald, District In-charge Minister S Suresh Kumar said the meeting was to be chaired by the Chief Minister as is the norm, but it has not been possible ‘owing to election code of conduct’. “Budget will be finalised during the meeting with CM during mid-August,” he said.

According to sources within the BJP, Dasara may well be a casualty with Congress Padayatra gaining popularity with every successive day and cabinet expansion, as stated by the Chief Minister, slated to be held in August.
The meeting to decide on budget is of high importance since the works pertaining to Dasara gain momentum only after that. Every year, the district administration has last minute ‘adjustments’ to make, after promising that the subsequent Dasara will be well-organised.

Need blessings
Sub-committees and panels have to be formed with politicians drawn from local bodies, across parties to organise different aspects of the festivities. Cultural events have to be planned and artistes have to be confirmed at least few weeks in advance. Going by the pace, district administration may well need a lot of blessings by Goddess Chamundeshwari to organise the festival.

“Chief Minister is under a lot of pressure with these two aspects assuming importance. Besides, last time the government machinery was hell bent upon making the ‘Nada Habba’ a success with then District In-charge Minister Shobha Karandlaje at the helm of affairs.

The Chief Minister had even announced a budget of Rs 10 crore, months ahead,” said a senior member of the party, on condition of anonymity.
DH News Service