PANAJI
The Goa government has spent Rs 3.45 crore on Lokotsav 2023, the annual festival of arts and culture held at Kala Academy complex in Panaji.
Minister for Art and Culture Govind Gaude informed the state assembly on Tuesday that the government did not sponsor any stalls to craftsmen for the festival.
“All the stalls are allotted to the craftsperson by collecting the revenue towards rental charges of the stalls,” he said.
However, four government departments – Information and Publicity, Police, Fire and Emergency Services and Directorate of Health Services – were allotted stalls free of cost, Gaude added.
Two artisans with disabilities were also provided stalls free of cost. They are Sripad Pai Bir from Ribander and Abhay Kurade from Porvorim.
The total expenditure for Lokotsav 2023 includes the cost of stalls, stage, sound system, lighting, decoration, publicity, and other miscellaneous expenses.
Gaude said that the festival was a success and it attracted a large number of visitors from Goa and other parts of the country.
