Hassan district minister KM Shivalingegowda performs puja to launch works for the Hasanamba fest at Hassan Sunday
Speaking after performing bhoomi puja for various works and meeting officials at Hasanamba Temple premises, Shivalingegowda said the district administration had initially approved 48 works estimated at Rs 13.5 crore. Responding to the allegations, Shivalingegowda said only 10 days remained before the festival, making it impractical to invite fresh tenders. Final expenditure would be announced after the works were completed and accounts finalised, and printed accounts would be distributed to inform the public.
He said the review was being conducted at the temple premises in the presence of stakeholders, rather than through closed-door meetings, to ensure openness and accountability. He said the administration was committed to minimising expenditure while completing festival arrangements on time. Steps were being taken to reduce the cost following public criticism over the expenditure. The administration would instead review the existing works and take decisions based on the bids received, giving preference to contractors quoting lower rates. Minister Shivalingegowda and MP Shreyas were reviewing the festival preparations when the incident happened. Police rushed the injured man to a hospital in the Hassan tahsildar’s vehicle. Shivalingegowda instructed officials to ensure that he received immediate treatment.
Hassan: Hassan district minister KM Shivalingegowda on Sunday said expenditure on this year’s Hasanamba Jatre Mahotsava would be compiled and published to ensure transparency.