Public raise concern over delayed disclosure of Dasara expenditure

Mysuru: Nearly three months after the Dasara festivities, expenditure details remain undisclosed by the respective committees, prompting concerns from activists and the general public.Given the substantial grants allocated by state govt, there are growing demands for prompt disclosure of the financial statement.The renowned Mysuru Dasara was held from Oct 3-12, 2024. Traditionally, expense statements are published within one to two months post-celebration.Previously, details were provided in Dec 2023 and Nov 2022. However, this year's committee has not yet scheduled a date for the financial disclosure.Following good rain, the state govt conducted an elaborate Dasara celebration in 2024. The administration allocated Rs 40 crore, supplemented by revenue from gold cards and Yuva Dasara tickets. Additional funding came through civic agencies and private sector sponsorships.Bhamy V Shenoy, founding president of Mysore Grahakara Parishat and a civic activist, expressed disappointment over the situation. "The govt should have announced the expenses details ideally within a few days after the festivities as everything will be on documents. Now, we need to question why this abnormal delay to release the details," he questioned."If the district administration releases the details, definitely some NGOs, or the general public will start asking questions," he said.Residents are urging the district administration for immediate disclosure of Dasara expenditure and collection details. "This delay has raised more questions about the way in which the Dasara event was organised and the expenses made," said Sanjay Rao, a resident of TK Layout.