From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, May 20: The swearing in ceremony of chief minister Manohar Parrikar has cost the state exchequer whopping Rs 11 lac for a function that went for almost one hour on Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) ground at Campal on March 9.

The information received under Right to Information by lawyer Aires Rodrigues has revealed that the ceremony and refreshment for the guests, who were expected to be more than 12,000 people.

Government had to foot a bill of Rs 2.32 lakh to be paid to a city based popular hotel, who had provided water and refreshment to the guests.

Rodrigues said that the response to query under RTI by state government does not satisfy the question whether the permission was sought from SAG to use the ground.

General Administration Department (GAD) has submitted to Rodrigues that half litre water bottles, one peda (Indian sweet) and also either a batata vada (snack) or vegetable patties were ordered for the function.

The RTI reply further reveals an amount of Rs 66,000 was spent on 222 kgs of pedas which were purchased at Rs 300 a kilo, while Rs 93,120 was spent on the water bottles.

An expenditure of Rs 48,000 was incurred on 6000 batata vadas while another Rs 48,000 was spent on the 6000 vegetable patties.

“The pandal, stage, sound system and seating arrangement for the swearing in ceremony cost the tax payer a further Rs 7,98,212 which includes Rs 63,415 spent on flower decoration for the stage and Rs 72,270 on hire of 5500 chairs. Separate amount was spent on the transport and payment to catering service,” the reply mentions.

Doing away with the convention of swearing in ministers at the Raj Bhavan, Parrikar had decided to hold the first swearing-in amidst the Goans. Raj Bhavan had refused to pay for the expenses at SAG ground as the ceremony was not held within their premises.

Around 5000 people including senior BJP leaders from Delhi like L K Advani had attended the ceremony at Campal.