Thiruvananthapuram: The government is under fire for extravagance in the Keraleeyam program, spending Rs 1.55 crore solely on seven art programs held at the Central Stadium. Despite assurances, there is still no comprehensive report on the expenditure.
The week-long art programs unfolded at the Central Stadium, the venue for the opening and closing sessions of the Keraleeyam program. The event commenced with actress Shobhana’s dance, incurring a cost of Rs 8 lakh. Subsequent days featured a special show by Mukesh MLA and GS Pradeep costing Rs 8,30,000, and ‘Kavya 23’ by Murukan Kattakada and team at Rs 40,5000 on the third day.
On the fifth day, the government spent Rs 2,05,000 for KS Chitra’s music concert, followed by a fusion show by Kalamandalam artists at Rs 3,80,000 on the sixth day. The seventh day witnessed a program by Stephen Devassy and Mattannoor Sankarankutty, incurring a cost of Rs 11,9000. It is said that these events were organized by the government with an intention to showcase Kerala’s development achievements.
The highest expenditure occurred on the closing day, with Rs 9,90,000 allocated for the ‘Jayam Show’ led by music director M Jayachandran. The government initially stated that most expenses would be covered by sponsors, but details regarding sponsors, expenditure distribution, and the purpose of spending remain undisclosed months after the conclusion of the Keraleeyam program.
Despite promises of a comprehensive report within two weeks, the government has failed to provide transparency, leaving the public questioning who the sponsors are and how the allocated funds were utilized.
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