'DHAN' IN LETTER & SPIRIT
* The letter says 'Govt positively looks forward to your active participation for the event'
* Expects a sponsorship amount of minimum Rs 1 lakh each
* Banks, institutions asked for details of cheque, RTGS, NEFT payment in favour of GEL
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THE DIGI DHAN MELA
* Day-long programme on December 28 at the Inox Courtyard
* Two schemes also part of prog -- Lucky Grahak Yojana & Digi Dhan Vyapar Yojana
* Total cost of event works out to Rs 10 lakh
* Just six banks have confirmed participation as sponsors
* Govt to provide a stall with bank's logo on promotional materials
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Banks asked to sponsor govt's prog
PADMAVATI PRABHU
PANAJI
In a letter issued to the financial institutions through Goa Electronics Limited on December 24, the State Government has stated, “The Government of Goa positively looks forward to your active participation for the event and looks forward to a sponsorship amount of minimum Rs 1 lakh to support the event.”
On an urgent basis, the banks have also been asked to share details pertaining to cheque, or RTGS, or NEFT payment towards the sponsorship amount in favour of M/s Goa Electronics Limited.
The State Government has organised a day-long 'Digi Dhan Mela' on Wednesday at Inox Courtyard, Panaji. As part of this programme, two schemes -- Lucky Grahak Yojana and Digi Dhan Vyapar Yojana -- will also be inaugurated.
While the total cost involved in organising the event would be about Rs 10 lakh, excluding the cost of advertising; as of now only six banks have confirmed their participation as sponsors.
Interestingly, in return to Rs 1 lakh sponsorship, the State Government has agreed to provide a stall free of cost to the respective banks at the event.
“We gladly inform that, for your support the government would provide a stall free of cost to your bank at the Mela. An advertising banner, a public announcement about the partnering bank and sponsorship, and the bank’s logo on the promotional materials and programs are few listed benefits your esteemed bank would have on partnering this event”, reads the letter.
Speaking to The Goan, Special Secretary to Chief Minister Ameya Abhyankar said, “There will be about 18 to 20 financial institutions participating in the event. They have been asked for sponsorship because there is a cost associated with the event.”
Contradicting an amount of minimum Rs 1 lakh specified in the letter, Abhyankar said, “There is no such a thing like a minimum amount. They have been asked to contribute what they can.”
“We want to make it a sponsored event. The idea is that this should be a bank or financial institution driven event. The government is just facilitating it and the venue and other things will be provided free of cost”, he said.
Questioned on whether an institution will be prevented from participating in the event if it fails to provide the required sponsorship, he said, “That does not prevent them from participating as it is not obligatory but voluntary. Those who can will support. Some have provided support with lesser denomination.”
