THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government is fighting all odds to spill festive colors to Onam amidst a deep economic crisis. Onam is the biggest commercial and agricultural festival of Kerala and thus the state had to grovel to the central government with requests of Rs 8,000 crore or an additional loan of 1% of GSDP for Onam-related purposes. However, all requests got snubbed by New Delhi as the state was left to fend for itself during the biggest cultural festival. Both requests were rejected citing legal hurdles. It was in this circumstance that the state decided to make Onam prosperous with available resources.

On Thursday, the state government decided to utilize the Rs 2000 crore remaining from the previously allowed sanction. With this move, the government debt during the Onam season has jumped to Rs 3000 crore. The government has also reached the limits of withdrawal from the treasury and is using this money to celebrate Onam.

Considering the dire situation, 12 MPs from Kerala called on Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to elucidate the grueling times the state faces ahead of Onam season. However, the meeting never met its purpose as the minister felt less convinced by the appeal.

The government has taken measures to ensure that the regular Onam celebrations are not disrupted. Onam tourism week celebration will start on August 27th at 32 venues.

Supplyco Onam markets will start in 1500 centers in the state. Horticorp has also initiated extensive preparations for the Onam season. Government employees will be given Rs 4000 as a bonus and those who are not eligible for the bonus will be given Rs 2750 as a festival allowance.

The government has also decided to pay the Onam bonus at the same rate to all, including contract scheme workers who received the Onam bonus last year.