Maharashtra government allows MTDC to fund private events, Opposition cries foul

The Opposition has cried foul regarding the state government's decision of allowing the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) to sponsor cultural, sporting, literary and other programmes organised by non-governmental organisations which will help promote tourism here. The Congress said it would increase the possibility of misuse of public money by organisations affiliated to the ruling BJP.

The state Cabinet on Tuesday approved a policy which will allow the MTDC to sponsor non-governmental events at state, national and international level, to promote tourism in Maharashtra. It would cover sports, cultural, literary, film, drama and other events, which can be sponsored by the MTDC subject to certain terms and conditions. The state has an annual outlay of Rs 12 crore for this.

"We used to get a number of enquiries from such organisations if the MTDC could sponsor their events, as it would promote tourism in Maharashtra," said a state government official.

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• The state Cabinet approved a policy that’ll allow MTDC to sponsor non-government events.
   
• These events include literary, sports, cultural, film, drama and other events.