Considering the demands of the public of Rayagada, district Collector-cum-Chairperson, District Cultural Council (DCC) Poonam Guha Tapas Kumar has taken steps to revive Chaiti, the most popular cultural extravaganza of the district. She suggested revamping various committees formed earlier.
It was unanimously decided to have a district level officer to head each committee whereas the member-convenor will be from the public. Under the leadership of the Collector, this is the first time ever the cooperation from public in true spirit was felt.
SP K Siva Subramani suggested celebrating the extravaganza before December 15, keeping in view the code of conduct for the ensuing panchayat election. Sub-Collector Rayagada Muralidhar Swain suggested resolving the dates from December 10 to 14 which was accepted by the participating members. The first three days will be Chaiti and the last two days will be Pallishree Mela.
The Collector suggested including more events like baby show, etc during day time as fillers by involving more and more women, senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs). She also suggested organising Chaiti at college level and exploring local anchors through a competitive process. There will be Chaiti in the sub-divisional level at Gunupur.
Due to heavy load of work for the ensuing panchayat election, the decision was left to the BDOs, who would decide after consultation in the block whether to conduct Chaiti at bock level.
Control room would be headed by a senior officer of Assistant Collector rank who would be assisted by the staff members from DIPRO office. Other district level officers like DFO, PD-Watershed, Deputy Director of Horticulture, Rayagada BDO, tehsildar, District Planning Officer, District Education Officer, District Project Coordinator-SSA were entrusted to take up responsibilities like exhibition of IEC materials, book fair, science exhibition, etc.
“The local cultural troupes from Rayagada and its adjacent districts and other districts should be given importance. Along with them, other traditional artistes of repute from neighbouring States would be invited to inculcate a cultural fusion. As the souvenir is the mouth piece of the festival, utmost care should be taken in its preparation,” said Guha.
The budget for the festival was limited to Rs 25 lakh. DRDA PD Prasanta Rath, who chairman of the Finance Committee, assured the members of a financial transparency like tenders, quotations and minimal cash transaction.