State government plans to subsidize pilgrimages to different shrines

State government plans to subsidize pilgrimages to different shrines

BENGALURU: With an eye on the 2018 assembly elections, the tourism department is now contemplating subsidizing pilgrimages to various shrines through the Puneetha Yatra.

With 25 per cent  to 50 per cent subsidy for the tour, the government is looking at these events organized by the Karnataka state tourism development corporation (KSTDC) to be a clincher in both, generating revenue for the coffers and also garnering political capital ahead of the polls, sources said.

"We are yet to take a call on finances. We are working out how much of a burden will it be on the exchequer, if subsidies are provided for these trips,'' tourism minister Priyank kharge said.

The government has decided to conduct these tours by road alone as it will be easier to subsidize tours. "Apart from 32 buses owned by KSTDC, we may rope in KSRTC if the demand is high," kharge said.