With the villagers getting more prominence in the Dasara festivities this time, the District Administration has made arrangements to bring them in KSRTC buses to the city to witness Naada Habba free of cost.

Nearly 200 buses will ferry the rural folk from 29 taluks covering the districts of Mysore, Mandya, Chamarajanagar and Kodagu, between Oct. 6 and 10.

When the facility was first introduced by the BJP Government, even food was served to the beneficiary rural folk free of cost, which was however stopped later. However, it is set to resume this year, with the government giving its nod.

Each bus which will leave from its designated rural destination at 6 am, will take the rural folk to Chamundi Hill, Zoo, Palace, KRS, venues where the Dasara cultural programmes are held and also through the illuminated thoroughfares of the city, before dropping them back.

The rural folk on their arrival in city will get direct entry to all tourist spots without having to stand in long queues to buy tickets.

KSRTC Urban Divisional Controller H.M. Ramesh, who is also the Dasara Darshan Special Officer, said that people who have never visited the city before nor witnessed Dasara progra- mmes will be given preference this year.

KSRTC Mysore Rural Divisional Controller B.V. Srinivas, who is also the Working President of Dasara Darshan Sub-committee, said nearly 200 buses will be utilised for this service, with each of the 29 taluks getting six buses. The service will be extended to 300 people from every taluk, who mainly comprise BPL card holders, senior citizens, people from the backward classes, he added.

He also said that the selection of beneficiaries rests with the local legislators, who are required to submit a list to the concerned Tahasildar. A final decision will be taken by Committee’s President on Sept. 20 at a meeting.

Food Mela

The KSRTC will provide the day’s breakfast for the beneficiaries of Dasara Darshan.

The Dasara Committee has decided to also provide lunch at the Food Mela which will be held at Scouts and Guides grounds where the rural people will get to taste varieties of food from all over the State.

The Government has earmarked Rs. 31.49 lakh for Dasara Darshan and is ready to release more funds for the scheme if required.

However, the responsibility to see to it that the scheme benefits the real beneficiaries, rests with the local Legislators.

Courtesy : Star Of Mysore