Ready for Ashaadha Friday celebrations: Min Mahadevappa

Mysuru: The district administration has made all preparations for the annual Chamundeshwari Ashaadha Friday celebrations atop Chamundi Hills, said district minister HC Mahadevappa on Sunday.
The administration has arranged free KSRTC bus rides on Ashaadha Fridays and movement of private vehicles will be banned.
Speaking to reporters, he said directions have been given to officials concerned to ensure adequate buses.As many as 40 buses will be operated to pick up and drop devotees to Chamundi Hills from Lalith Mahal Palace grounds in the city.
“Except for Rs 50 and Rs 300 special darshan entry tickets, devotees can have free darshan. No VIP, VVIP passes will be issued this year too. Instructions have been given to the city police commissioner to ensure parking for all vehicles at Lalitha Mahal Palace grounds,” he said.
The minister clarified that the govt has not misused SCP/ TSP grants meant for empowerment of SC/ STs. “BJP, other opposition leaders are misleading people over the issue. The govt has not diverted funds to guarantees schemes,” he said. “The govt has brought legislation to stop misusing these grants for other purposes,” he said. He accused the previous BJP govt in the state had misused this scheme under Section D, but the Siddaramaiah govt has put an end to misuse of these funds under deemed expenditure by removing Section D.
Mahadevappa said the govt has planned to build high tech libraries at SC/ST students’ hostels.
Deputy commissioner Lakshmikanth Reddy, ZP CEO KM Gayathri, city police commissioner Seema Latkar and others were present.