Ujjain: The Central Simhastha Fair Organising Committee (CSFOC) has sent out strict instructions to the Ujjain municipal corporation (UMC) to complete all planned infrastructural work under the Simhasta Fair 2016.
At a meeting convened by the chairman of the organizing committee, Makhan Singh Chauhan, reopened all files relating to infrastructural development of local ‘muths’, ‘mandirs’ and ashrams falling under the purview of the committee.
The CSFOC meeting which was also attended by energy minister Paras Jain, mayor Meena Jonwal, Babulal Jain, Ujjain Development Authority chairman Jagdish Agrawal, collector Sanket Bhondve and UMC commissioner Ashish Singh among others, assumed significance as it was convened for the first time after completion of fair.
The state government had carried out infrastructural works to the tune of Rs 1-2 crore each at all 13 akharas and also sanctioned works amounting to 10-20 lakh each for the construction washrooms, shades, etc at local ‘muths’, ‘mandirs’ and ashrams.
It was the first such effort in the country, the government having tried out such an attempt initially at Nashik. Accusing the government for adopting a step-motherly treatment, Kantacharya Maharaj and Dr Avadheshpuri threatened to stage a ‘dharna’ if their demands were not met.
Makhan Singh also reviewed files of land acquisition of about 4000 hectares in view of the mega religious event. He opined that since more than 25 percent of the acquired land remained unutilized, the concerned authorities should not have acquired it in the first place.
The members also expressed concern over non-allotment of lands. It was directed that all reports submitted by 22 local sub-committees should be incorporated in the Simhastha-2016 report being prepared by the administration, so that better arrangements could be ensured for Simhastha-2028. The issue of non-disbursement of ‘protsahan bhatta’ (allowance) to the local employees was also raised.
