MARGAO: Carnival float makers in the traditional and clubs categories are up in arms over the government decision to reduce the prize money this year.
Coming down heavily on the government for the decision, the traditional float makers have asked the government to bail them out with incentives or by preponing the carnival festivities by three days. They warned that they will have no option than to wind up the float making art if the government fails to intervene and address their grievances.
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Addressing a press conference, float maker in the traditional category from Quepem, Raul lashed out at the government for reducing the first prize money from Rs 60,000 to Rs 45,000. “Taking into account the inflation, the prize money ought to have been enhanced with each passing year to meet the rising costs. But, our government had reduced the prize money this year”, he lamented.
Pereira said the float makers will have to reconsider taking part in carnival parade in the future if the government does not intervene and address their grievances. “We will take up the matter with the government to draw their attention to their grievances. It costs around Rs five lakh to put up a modest float. From where will we recover the cost if there’s no attractive prize money or other incentives”, he asked and wondered whether tourists will come down to witness carnival festivities in the absence of floats.
Chiquito Barretto, a float maker from Loutolim in the clubs and institutions category, said the government can start the carnival parades three days before Sunday to facilitate them to participate in parades in other towns as well. “If the festivities are preponed and the floats are held in other towns three days before Fat Fat Saturday, we will be able to participate in the small towns and vie for the prize money and also meet the rising costs”, he added. “The government expects a lot from the float makers. But, there’s no incentive coming from them in terms of prize money or other incentives”, he added.
