Karnataka government relents, to issue Dasara gold cards this year

MYSURU: Weeks after the government announced its plan to do away with Dasara gold cards, district minister ST Somashekar on Saturday announced that the gold cards will be issued, much to the relief of tourism stakeholders, who have been demanding for it.
Speaking to reporters after releasing the Dasara posters and launching the website https://mysoredasara.gov.in, the minister said combo tickets to visit eight tourist destinations in Mysuru region including the palace, KRS dam, Chamundi hills, railway museum, and zoo will also be released.
"An amount of Rs 500 is fixed for the adults while it is Rs 250 for children. The ticket holders will get direct entry to all these places," he said. The Dasara budget for 2022 will be Rs 34.5 crore.
"While Rs 15 crore will be released by the state government, Mysuru Urban Development Authority will release Rs 10 crore. The Palace Board will release Rs 5 crore. The state government will pay Rs.4.5 crore to CESCMYSORE towards expenses for illuminating 124km in the city," said Somashekar.
The minister claimed that by October 10 or 11 Dasara expenditure details will be released. The minister also reviewed the Dasara preparations with the members of the 17 sub-committees formed in this regard.
"The decision to continue with the Dasara gold cards is a good one. It is like an invitation to tourists to the Dasara," said BS Prashanth, honorary president of Mysuru Travels' Association.
Invite in English
Somashekar said that this year, the invite for the Dasara inaugural will be in English as President Droupadi Murmu will inaugurate the festival. "The details of the event, including chief guests, will be finalized after Monday after taking approval from the President of India's office," he said. He also clarified that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not participate in the Dasara procession.