DW BUREAU / shimla While presiding over the closing ceremony of the International Kullu Dussehra Festival-2022 in the auditorium of Atal Sadan Kullu today, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur announced 15 per cent enhancement in the Nazarana of deities of the Kullu valley and honorarium of Bajantries and 20 per cent increase in the 'Doori Bhatta' (Distance Allowance) of deities coming from far-away places for Kullu Dussehra. The Chief Minister also announced that as per the demand of the Kardar Sangh, Rs. 1500 allowance would be provided for the deities visiting Kullu Dussehra and not getting Doori Bhatta (distance allowance). He also announced increasing the grant for Haripur Dussehra from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 1.25 lakh, for Manikaran Dussehra from Rs.1 lakh to Rs. 1.25 lakh, for Vishishath Dussehra from Rs 75,000 to Rs 1 lakh. He also announced that Rs. 50,000 would be provided for the celebration of Dussehra at Naggar. The Chief Minister said that the Kullu Dussehra was one of the most important festivals of the State and was celebrated with traditional fervor and gaiety with lakhs of people participating dressed in colourful attire. He said that this year, the International Kullu Dussehra had become more historic, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the event on 5th of this month. He said that the Prime Minister not only participated in the celebrations but also performed puja and took blessings of Lord Ragunath. Jai Ram Thakur said that despite the covid pandemic, the State Government ensured that pace of development goes uninterrupted. He said that institutes and Projects like AIIMS, Atal Tunnel etc. were dedicated to the people of the State. He said that projects like Bulk Drug Park, Medical Devices Park etc, were also sanctioned for the State. He said that all this was possible due to the benevolence of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Chief Minister said that the Congress party has completely lost the faith of the people of the State and has no future. He said that on the other hand the BJP has a strong and able leadership in the form of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also honoured and gave away prizes to the winners of different events on the occasion.He also provided mobile phones to the students under Srinivasa Ramanaujam Scheme. Earlier, the Chief Minister inaugurated 10 developmental projects worth Rs. 38.25 crore and laid foundation stones of 21 projects worth Rs. 126.05 crore for Kullu district, which includes inauguration of Rs 10.29 crore additional accommodation in Manali Circuit House, Rs. 4.63 crore Division Office of PWD Manali, Rs. 93 lakh Lift Water Supply Scheme for Chanan basti in Banjar tehsil, Rs. 5.82 crore improvement of Aut-Larji road, Rs. 6.44 crore Water Sports Centres Larji (Kullu and Tattapani( Mandi) Rs. 2.74 crore bridge over Jain Nallah on Bhuntar Manikaran road, Rs 1.51 crore bridge over Dohra Nallah on Cheshta road, Rs. 1.29 crore additional district library building at Kullu and Rs 4.60 crore 33/11KV Sub Station Bhutti at Lag Valley. He also performed opening ceremony of Fire Station Jari. (editor@dailyworld.in)