about
We have the proud privilege of introducing us as a pioneer organization of community Durgapuja in Kolkata and suburbs had come together under one umbrella in 2010. All major pujas in and around Kolkata are directly associated with us and majority medium sized puja organizers are in directly tagged with us. Accordingly we represent almost all the community pujas in and around our beloved city of joy. The name of the association is “Forum for Durgotsab”.
We are aware that during this festive season few crores of rupees are transacted majority of which is distributed among the have-not classes. The circulation of money involved in such puja is important for the economic resurgence of our beloved state.
We are also aware that during the four days festival period, all eyes within the country as well as aboard are focused on it through different Media to share the festivities and joy with the people of Bengal. Many people from other States as well as other Countries visit Kolkata at the time to take part in this colorful event.
We trust and sincerely believe that all section of administrative authority and people of Bengal will be with us to hold the Durga festival in joyfull mood.
The beginning
When the arrangements for organizing the Durga Puja are all finalized and construction work of the Pandal has begun, suddenly we find that the State administration becomes active. The Police, Fire Brigade and the CESC officials make repeated visits either individually or jointly. Each authority gives its own set of suggestions which become next to impossible to implement at the eleventh hour. Out of frustration, at times we feel it would be better if we gave up the whole idea of organizing the Puja, since implementing the various suggestions would involve starting all the arrangements afresh.
As soon as the Puja is over, we already start to plan for the next year. The actual implementation of the plans takes place as early as three months before the Puja. Payment to the artistes has to be made well in advance and if plans are changed in the last moment as per the whims and caprices of the authorities, the entire amount already spent is liable to go down the drain.
It is the usual practice that every year the Police authorities call a meeting of the Puja committees where the representatives of the Fire Brigade, Municipality, PWD, Electricity supply are also present and the guidelines are given. But to our utter surprise we are finding that even after strictly adhering to the guidelines, the various authorities under the influence of powerful lobbies are making visits to the pandals under the pretext of ‘’observation” and are issuing new instructions which becomes almost impossible for us to implement at this stage. The attitude displayed by the authorities is that of a judge convicting a criminal which is downright insulting to us. At times we feel that in order to save our self esteem probably it would be better if we gave up the idea of the Puja altogether.
In order to save ourselves from this kind of harassment, we have been constrained to create an association called the “Forum for Durgotsab”. When the various committees become targets of the administration, the Forum would take up their cause and even take legal recourse if necessary. This Forum would work throughout the year to preserve and maintain a healthy environment so that Pujas are conducted smoothly both in the city and in the suburbs. For this we earnestly seek the help and cooperation of the administration and the electronic/print media.
In order to ensure smooth conduct of the Pujas, we have come up with a set of demands which would be placed with the administrative authorities. We would like to bring those demands to their attention through your kind intervention:-
- The Police, Fire Brigade, Municipal and Electricity Supply authorities should hold a meeting with the Puja authorities at least six months in advance and clearly spell out the guidelines to be followed.
- If the authorities have any objection towards any Puja committee the same should be conveyed to the committee as well as the Forum at least three months in advance.
- Which authority would be coming for inspection of the pandal and when, should be communicated to the committee in advance.
- In case of a court order, the same should be followed to the letter. Usually the court orders are issued only for a particular year, but it has been found that the administrative authorities use it as a fixed rule of law. Also, even if the ruling pertains to a particular Puja, the authorities try to impose it on other committees in a blanket manner.
- That the administrative guidelines are not influenced by any political party or by some influential lobby should also be ensured.
- A Committee should also be formed by the administrative authorities so as to keep liaison and communication with the Puja organizers so as to remove the possibility of any misunderstanding.
- Usually CESC charges a big amount in advance from the organizers but no account is given as to how much electricity was actually consumed and what it amounts to, in monetary terms. This should be made clear by the CESC and the administration should take initiative in the matter.
- There is some administrative complication in respect of the Pujas which are organized on the roads. On the basis of two separate court rulings, the administrative authorities impose various restrictions. On seeking legal advice on the matter we have come to know that in one case the court has ruled as to how much of the road should be left free. The other ruling was in respect of one particular Puja committee. In case any action is taken by the authorities, they should clearly state their position in the light of the two court rulings. Otherwise problem continues.
- In respect of those Pujas which are organized in public parks, the administration has disallowed the erection of ‘merry go round’. We feel it is illogical to take such a drastic step on the basis of one or two stray accidents. The administrative has all the authority to enforce safety regulations but disallowing the ‘merry go round’ is not justified. Does that mean we should suspend public transportation facilities just because accidents take place?
- It becomes an intolerable burden for us to obtain approval of different authorities. In addition to a Liaison Officer from the side of the administration we also demand for a “Single Window Clearance” for all such relevant permissions/approvals.
Durga Puja is not the sole responsibility of any particular organizer/committee. We undertake this monumental task for the sake of the general populace and to preserve our festival and culture. The responsibility to make it a success lies both with the organizers as well as the administration. The media also has a role to play here since you are the eyes and ears of the people. Your guidance is invaluable for us.
Come; with our collective efforts let us make the ensuing Durga Puja a grand success. Let the auspicious arrival of the Mother Goddess spread cheer and happiness all around.