Cuttack, Sept 26: Questions have been raised over expenditure during the previous Bali Yatra, with thousands of books, jackets and T-shirts allegedly lying unused at government premises months after the festival.
According to reports, the district administration purchased books for distribution among visitors during last year's Bali Yatra. Jackets and T-shirts were also procured for officials and employees involved in the festival arrangements. The total expenditure on these items is estimated at around Rs 1 crore.
However, even as preparations for this year's Bali Yatra have begun, a large number of the purchased books are reportedly still lying at Barabati Palace. Several jackets and T-shirts are also said to be stored in a warehouse at the Collector's office and have deteriorated over time.
The book distribution initiative was announced last year with the objective of providing free books to visitors and promoting Odia language and literature. The administration had also invited people to voluntarily donate books for the initiative.
However, questions have now been raised over the number of books received through donations, the number purchased by the administration and the manner in which the books were ultimately distributed.
The procurement of jackets has also come under scrutiny. Reports claim that the jackets were specially ordered from Berhampur despite Cuttack having a large garment market. Questions have been raised over the reason for procuring them from outside the city and the process followed for the purchase.
Some of the T-shirts purchased for employees were reportedly taken out of storage around a month ago, but employees allegedly declined to accept several pieces because they had deteriorated.
The issue has triggered questions over financial planning, procurement and utilisation of public funds during the Bali Yatra. Critics have sought greater transparency regarding the expenditure and distribution of the materials purchased for the festival.
The district administration's response to these allegations could not be obtained. District Culture Officer Dilip Jena was contacted for his reaction but reportedly did not answer the phone.
