CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal:In a startling revelation during the ongoing session of the Chhattisgarh Assembly, it was disclosed that the previous Congress government spent nearly ₹9 crore on organizing the “Bore Basi Tihar” (Basi Festival) in 2023, allegedly aimed at benefiting laborers. The data was shared in response to a question raised by BJP MLA Dharamjeet Singh.
According to official figures, around 50,000 workers attended the event, translating to an average spend of ₹1795 per person. However, the cost of the actual meal — traditional “bore basi” — was only ₹32 per head. The remaining funds were spent on arrangements such as domes, seating, water, publicity, and items like caps and promotional material. Shockingly, ₹80 lakh was spent on caps and ₹27 lakh on bottled water alone.
The festival, held across all districts on May 1, 2023 (International Labour Day), was organized by the State Labour Department to spread awareness about government schemes for workers. Despite initial plans to host 1.3 lakh workers, only 50,000 reportedly participated. The biggest share of the expenditure — over ₹8.5 crore — came from the Raipur district alone.
Labour and Industry Minister Lakhan Lal Dewangan, responding to the query, claimed that the event’s primary aim was to educate workers and increase registration in welfare programs. However, BJP leaders have called the expenditure extravagant and questioned the intent behind such a large-scale event.
The issue has now sparked a political storm, with questions being raised over the justification of such high expenditure for a symbolic meal.
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