Cuttack: Congress legislator Sofia Firdous on Sunday called for giving an opportunity to small traders to participate in Bali Jatra in Odisha’s Cuttack city instead of going for auction of the stalls to earn revenue.
Speaking to media persons, Sofia said Bali Jatra is a historical event that has been organised by Odia traders in ancient times. “The traders, called Sadhabas, used to go on voyages to Bali, Java, Borneo, and Sumatra in Indonesia and Sri Lanka for trade. The trade fair marks not only the trade practices of ancient Kalinga (present Odisha) but also maritime activities of the time,” she said.
Stating that the authorities had made the commonman’s fair into a commercial proposition, the MLA from Barabati-Cuttack said they intended to earn more revenue by allotting the stalls to rich traders through auction.
“I remember going to the Bali Jatra with family to have fun and purchase household articles at cheap rate. The trade fair is known for sale of all kinds of materials at far less cost than the retail market. It was possible as the traders were allowed to open stalls at a fixed price,” she said.
The Congress leader said instead of auctioning the stalls, the government should announce a fixed cost for the stalls so that these traders can come back to the Jatra. “We have written to the minister concerned and also held discussion with the district officials in this regard,” she added.
Besides fixing the stall costs, they should also announce certain entertaining shows for children free of cost. If the commonman cannot get the goods he needs at cheaper rate in the trade fair, what is the point of holding it, she asked.
She also suggested that the government can release a certain amount from its Asmita fund of Rs 200 crore, which is meant to finance entertainment programmes including Bali Jatra, in case of budget problem.
The Bali Jatra, which will be organised on the banks of river Mahanadi, will continue for 8 days from November 15 to 22. A total of 1100 plots will be put up for auction which is slated to be held on October 27.