KOZHIKODE: The state government has not considered the price rise of essential commodities while fixing the food committee budget for the 55th state school Kalotsav scheduled from January 15 to 21.
Kerala School Teachers’ Association (KSTA), the food committee in-charge for the fest, is up in arms against the decision of the finance committee to allot a meagre Rs 25 lakh for the food expenses.
According to KSTA members, the amount is much less than that allotted last year (Rs 27.5 lakh) and also the previous years.
“Even in 2010, when Kozhikode hosted the 50th school Kalotsav, Rs 27 lakh was allotted for the food committee,” said KSTA executive member and Kalotsav food committee in-charge P.K. Satheeshan.
The association has decided to ask the government to revise the budget. “A total of Rs 32 lakh will be required for the committee,” he added.
“Five years ago, the price of vegetables was 50 percent less. Hence it will be impossible with a shoestring budget to manage the food supply for over 25,000 people as per the order of the state government,” Mr Satheeshan pointed out.
KSTA state general secretary A.K. Unnikrishnan said, “the government has not even cleared the arrears of Rs 5 lakh spent for the food expenses of the 50th Kalotsav conducted during 2010.”
Minister for Social Welfare Dr M.K. Muneer on Saturday inaugurated the ‘Pandal works’ for the fest at the main venue- Malabar Christian College ground.
