Financial crunch no hurdle for spending in festival season

SHILLONG: The state government will yet again shell out crores of rupees in the name of festivals and events at a time when the government is facing financial crunch.
While the week-long 18 Degrees Festival began from Sunday on the State Central library premises, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma made an announcement in Delhi on Monday about the four-day Cherry Blossom festival to be held in November.
This will be followed by winter festivals in some parts of the State.
According to official data, in 2016, the government had spent Rs 91.26 lakh on the Cherry Blossom Festival while the expenditure incurred for 18 Degrees Festival in 2014 was Rs 1 crore.
Critics have mocked saying while the government can promote cherry blossoms in November, it can also hold a festival for Jacaranda besides celebrating other seasons when there is abundance of fruits and flowers.
The Finance Department had in August this year cited varied austerity measures to be followed by government departments but was silent on holding festivals which often cost the state exchequer dearly.
However, officials dealing with these festivals said the purpose is to highlight the positive image of Meghalaya outside of the state aimed at boosting tourism and also to tap talents in case of 18 Degrees Festival.