Agitation may cause effect on Dasara celebrations at Durga Temple
'Kumkum' (vermillion) being offered by devotees during the special puja on the premises of the temple of Goddess Kanakadurga on Indrakeeladri in Vijayawada.
Vijayawada, September 29, 2013:
The Samaikyandhra agitation is likely to mar the Dasara festivities this year. Temple officials fear acute shortage of staff and lack transport facilities will have severe impact on the festivities.
Every year, the district administration presses into service not less than 350 employees from various departments for smooth passage of the festival. In addition, the government deputes 250 employees from different temples and the Endowments Department. The temple also makes use of the services of NSS volunteers.
Sri Durga Malleswara Swamyvarla Devasthanam authorities have made proposals on similar lines this year also. But, the district administration is unlikely to meet the requirement going by the prevailing situation.
Students and employees of every department, to the exception of uniformed forces, are participating in the agitation.
More importantly, employees of the APSRTC in the Seemandhra districts have been on the strike since the midnight of August 12. And, it is needless to say about the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) employees.
The devasthanam authorities point out that it is not possible to run the show without the cooperation and involvement of other departments. Maintenance of ghats, queue lines, sanitation, VIP darshans, and VVIP protocol are likely to go haywire if requisite number of employees are not deputed.
District Collector M. Buddha Prakash M. Jyothi has asked Sub Collector D. Harichandana to discuss the issue with the employees’ associations.
The temple authorities are sceptical about the outcome of talks with the AP NGOs Association as the Joint Action Committee (JAC) has decided to continue the agitation.
Notwithstanding the situation, they are hopeful that 250 employees from the Endowments Department would attend the Dasara duties.
The temple authorities are planning to press into service 700 sweepers and 500 security persons through outsourcing. They are also planning to utilise the services of 1,000 volunteers.
Dasara will be celebrated from October 5 to 13.
Source: The Hindu, September 29, 2013
