The Belagavi district administration has proposed a budget of ₹13.2 crore to the state government for the upcoming winter session of the Karnataka Legislature, scheduled to be held in Belagavi from December 9 to 19. The proposed allocation covers accommodation, catering, transportation, and various other arrangements for the 10-day session.
According to the Deputy Commissioner’s office, ₹7 crore has been earmarked for lodging ministers, legislators, and officials attending the session. Hotels, lodges, resorts, and guest houses in and around the city have been reserved to accommodate the dignitaries.
Provisions have also been made for public demonstrations, with two designated protest sites outside the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha (SVS). An allocation of ₹8.50 lakh has been made for renting these protest spaces.
The budget includes several specific allocations:
– Catering: Meals and refreshments for VIPs at the VTU guest house, catering inside the SVS, and food for liaison officers, staff, and drivers have been estimated at ₹2.80 crore.
– Communication Facilities: Internet and telephone services at designated accommodations have been allocated ₹44 lakh.
– Transportation: Fuel for vehicles is budgeted at ₹45 lakh, urgent rental vehicles at ₹25 lakh, and ₹20 lakh for driver accommodations.
– Aesthetic Enhancements: Building decorations with flowers will cost ₹15 lakh.
– Miscellaneous: Cleaning, hot water systems, stationery, and other incidental expenses are pegged at ₹25 lakh.
– Cultural Programmes: A budget of ₹15 lakh has been set aside for cultural events outside the SVS.
– Documentation and ID Cards: ₹4 lakh is proposed for session information manuals and identity cards.
– Driver Allowances: Government vehicle drivers stationed at the district training center will receive ₹25,000.
The officials stated that this year’s budget proposal is informed by the expenditure patterns from last year’s winter session. For reference, last year’s expenses amounted to approximately ₹13 crore, indicating a marginal increase this year. Efforts have been made to optimize costs, as noted by Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan during a preparatory meeting.
The administration has emphasized cost reduction without compromising the quality of arrangements for the session. This includes streamlining services and minimizing additional expenses wherever possible.
As the session approaches, preparations are in full swing to ensure the event runs smoothly, with the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha ready to host deliberations and decisions shaping the state’s future.