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| PO's Conference extravaganza | | Ministers extend lavish 'social meals' to guests | | EARLY TIMES REPORT
JAMMU, June 25: With the prestigious PO's Conference in Srinagar over, the NC led coalition government has added another feather in its cap of successfully having hosted one of the biggest events in recent years, at a place which otherwise remains in headlines for wrong reasons. Apart from the huge expenditure government incurred on this gala event, the ministers in the government did not shy away from indulging in 'luxurious spending' in the hospitality they extended by organizing lunches and dinners.
The event was prestigious in the sense that dignitaries from Legislative Assemblies of the states apart from that of Parliament attended this three day conference. Huge number of delegates, around 400 apparently made the task of the organizers little difficult, but thanks to the 'large-hearted' government and some 'bountiful' ministers who showered hospitality upon them liberally. While it was the duty of the government, particularly the Assembly Secretariat of the state to make the visit of honorable delegates comfortable in all the ways, the ever 'courteous' cabinet ministers too did not spare any expense to 'entertain' the guests in their own way and capacity.
The PO's Conference, which is surely a vital and prestigious event for any state was important for the J&K for more than one reason. One that it was organized after over two decades the last such conference having been organized sometime in 1987.That state government also wanted to portray a good picture about the state, however did not auger well as almost during all the three days incidents of violence were witnessed in downtown areas of Srinagar. The deliberations however, continued as per the schedule and all functions related with the Conference took place both inside as well as outside the Legislature Complex.
Needless to mention that the entire hierarchy of Assembly Secretariat remained on toes for many days to make arrangements which were unerring indeed. Impeccable arrangements for the stay were made in the Centaur Hotel from where the guests, many of them perhaps for the first time enjoyed the grandeur of Dal Lake and bounteous beauty of Boulward in the foothills of Zabarwan forests. With a fleet of state garages vehicles for their movement, the guests also enjoyed visit to some renowned places in the Srinagar city and beyond the city as well.
Their Gulmarg visit too was arranged with gala 'bandobast' where Agriculture Minister GH Mir played perfect host in providing facilities, besides social meals. Social meals, be it breakfast, high tea, lunch and dinner were also extended by other ministers at one or the other point. All this 'ungrudgingly' done to make the event 'memorable' for the guests. Extending hospitality is a good gesture, for which at least Kashmir is known. But here were some 'munificent' gestures exhibited by some ministers which only reflected lavish spending, that to uncalled for.
The guests, particularly the prominent ones left the place not before getting some gifts, Kashmir specific articles, either Samowars or some handicraft material. So far so good as that is what perfect hospitality and playing 'perfect hosts' is all about. What emerged from the Conference cannot be questioned but why this lavishness and extravaganza in a cash starved state was extended, at least by the ministers at the cost of state exchequer is worth questioning The government can never or will never come out with the expenditure it incurred on the entire show, but some quarters where it contends inability due to lack of funds have a right to raise the question…..where did this huge amount come from?
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