Andhra Pradesh set for big budget Pushkaram, panel formed to find holy date

The first meeting of the six-member Group of Ministers, headed by finance minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu, was held on Friday.

“We have a big task ahead to make arrangements, including renovation of temples, construction of new ghats and strengthening existing ghats. We spent Rs 100 crores to make arrangements in the Pushkarams held in 2003 and this time, we intend to organise the event in a grand manner, as we expect more devotees this time. The sky is the limit to spend money to organise the event, said the minister.

However, the work proposals will be sanctioned only after a thorough scrutiny.

“We will not allow misuse of money as our economy is in bad state. We will release a token grant of Rs 100 crores to start works initially. Our Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will write a letter to the Centre seeking grants,” said Mr Ramakrishnudu adding that a delegation led by Chief Minister Mr naidu will visit Delhi to invite Union ministers to the celebration. Funds will be mobilised from Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams too.

The authorities in both the Godavari districts have come up with proposals of Rs 1,100 crores including Rs 800 crores from E. Godvari for the mega event. Meanwhile, the state government is planning to constitute a panel of authorised pandits in a week’s time to fix the dates for conducting the Maha Pushkarams in Godavari.