The controversial ‘Deepotsava’ at Ayodhya, the annual jamboree sponsored by the Uttar Pradesh government on Diwali, has raised eyebrows following reports that it would cost the state government a sum of ₹133 crore this year.

The government’s priorities are being questioned because it has been busy curtailing funds for several other projects.

• Last week, the UP government decided to curtail duties and number of Home Guard jawans because it did not have enough money to pay them, it was claimed.

• The Yogi government has also decided to close down Uttar Pradesh Karmachari Kalyan Nigam because the employees have not received salary for the past 11 months. At a cabinet meeting early this week Yogi government constituted a three-member committee to recommend on whether to give VRS to employees or accommodate them in other departments.

• The paramedic staff including Non-Medical Assistants have not got salary for the last three months as the UP health department says it does not have money to pay the staff.

• School students of class VI to VIII are yet to receive their textbooks because the Basic Education Department has no money to print them.