Team Herald
PANJIM: Department of Tourism rubbished allegations that it failed to sanction grants to the local Shigmo Committee in Tivim, stating there was no proposal from the village to host a float parade this year.
“As per the procedure, all local committees are required to send their proposals for government support to conduct Shigmo parades either through their Deputy Collector/SDO or Chief Officer of the Municipality. All the proposals received are scrutinized and approved by the government. This year there was no proposal received from Tivim and hence the question of sanctioning grants to this committee does not arise,” Tourism Director Menino D’Souza said, referring to the protests by Tivim locals over non-conduct of the annual Shigmo parade in the area.
D’Souza further said that preparations for Shigmo had begun in time and all committees desiring to conduct the parade not only applied for permissions and grants but also attended meetings conducted to streamline and co-ordinate the festivities.
This year, grants to the tune of Rs 1.87 crore were approved for Shigmo festivities at 15 centers. While grants towards prizes totaled Rs 69.50 lakh, grants towards infrastructure were Rs 1.18 crore.
