Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) is funding the construction of pavilions and exhibition venues for the state government's fourth anniversary celebrations. With a minimum allocation of ₹1.5 crore per district, the total expected expenditure exceeds ₹20 crore. This amount is being drawn from the funds KIIFB raises for development activities.

Earlier, an amount of ₹27 crore had been sanctioned for publicity and related expenses, to be spent by the Public Relations Department (PRD). Besides this, the government departments and institutions participating in the exhibition will have to cover their own expenses. Each district will host the "Ente Keralam" (My Kerala) exhibition for seven days.

A large air-conditioned pavilion is required for the exhibition and trade fair stalls. In Kasaragod, where the anniversary celebrations begin on Monday, a 48,000 square foot pavilion has been set up. The tendering and contractor selection for the pavilion work is being handled by the Indian Institute of Infrastructure and Construction, Chavara, Kollam, which functions under the Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society. This time, contracts have been awarded to 11 event management companies. During the second anniversary, the average expenditure per district was estimated at around ₹1.29 crore.

KIIFB officials said that, in principle, approval has been granted to fund the pavilions. However, the exact estimates are not yet available at this stage. The PRD clarified that the entire amount sanctioned is not necessarily spent.

Expenses will be cut : Minister Balagopal
Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal said this time the celebrations are being organised with maximum cost-cutting measures. He added that it is recommended that 60% of the exhibition stalls be commercial, which will also generate revenue.