Mumbai: 'Spend it while you can' seems to be the saw the state has adopted in the run-up to the Legislature's platinum jubilee celebrations on July 19 and 20. As you rue over your cooking gas and petrol price hikes, the government is away preparing for the mega party that will set the state exchequer back by Rs 5.56 crore.
The gala, spread over two days, has conveniently passed by the precarious financial health of the state into a temper where money is just an incidental, say observers. The celebration, to be attended by President Pratibha Patil and other actors from the national and state political theatre, is likely to be the most extravagant event in recent years.
Gerson Da Cunha, member of the Action for Good Governance and Networking in India (AGNI), said, "The state's debt burden of over Rs 2 lakh crore should not be ignored. We should look at what has been achieved in the last 74 years, and what needs to be done. Despite some good work, many things are still to be achieved. A major share of the amount could have been used for welfare schemes, betterment of education, infrastructure and so on."
Fancy furnishings
At a time when schools and hospitals are facing closure, the State Information Commission is overworked, and airports and infrastructure projects are stuck in limbo due to the severe financial dire straits, detractors are likening the situation to the legend of the Roman emperor Nero, who played the lyre as Rome was burning.
Although the state reckons waiving off Octroi on natural gas to give citizens a relief from LPG price hike a catastrophe for its kitty, the exorbitant contract for managing the event doesn't seem to be too much of a hassle.
Awarded to ace art director Nitin Chandrakant Desai's firm, Iconic Chandrakant Private Limited, the event, alone costing a whopping Rs 3.16 crore, includes the installation of six AC and non-AC pandals, the pulpit, the seating arrangement, decor and lighting.
The firm would also handle the cultural program on July 19 for over 4,000 dignitaries, which is likely to cost Rs 15 lakh. Thrown in are an exhibition consider another Rs 15 lakh spent - and a special event by Mauritian artists Rs 10 lakh and you have the complete trappings of a lush son et lumiere.
The special guests from Delhi and other states will be put up at the Taj, Trident and other posh hotels, for which approximately Rs 20 lakh has been set aside. Rs 70 lakh will be spent on the food and snacks they consume over the two days. Special catering firms have been roped in to serve exquisite delicacies. And transporting the guests will cost Rs 12 lakh, which will be spent on hiring vehicles, sources involved with the event preparations said.
Senior Janata Dal leader and former member of the state assembly, Mrinal Gore, termed the huge expenditure as unwarranted. "The legislature is for the common people as it deals with their issues and aspirations. Such a huge amount should be utilised for state's development, not for luxury accommodations and banquets," said the renowned legislator who, at one time, represented Goregaon constituency.
Pricey memory
And to preserve the memories of this dear event in the minds of its guests, they will be presented with specially designed mementos, some 2,200. The souvenirs alone come with a price tag of Rs 85 lakh.
The fine dining and entertainment will be speckled with three book releases, recital of notable speeches delivered in the legislature, memories of ex-members and history of the state legislature, three symposiums attended by eminent personalities and so on.
Guest list
President Pratibha Patil
Governor K Sankaranarayanan
Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar
Four state personalities who are officiating as governors in other states
Union Ministers representing the state
Presiding officers of Assemblies and Councils from other states
Former members of the state assembly and council
Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray
Shiv Sena Executive President Uddhav Thackeray
MNS chief Raj Thackeray
Industrialists Mukesh and Anil Ambani, Rahul Bajaj, Ratan Tata and Adi Godrej
A look at figures
Rs 3.16 crore: Paid to celebrity art director Nitin Chandrakant Desai, whose Iconic Chandrakant Productions is managing the event
Rs 85 lakh: Cost of 2,200 mementos
Rs 70 lakh: Bill for food and snacks
Rs 20 lakh: Hotel expenditure for special guests from Delhi and other states, who will be put up at Taj, Trident and Oberoi
Rs 15 lakh: Cost of cultural program on June 19
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