Mangaluru: The State government has announced a Rs. 50 lakh grant  for the three-day Vishwa Tuluvere Parba (global Tulu festival) scheduled to be held here from December 12, B. Ramanatha Rai, district in-charge minister said here on Tuesday.

The minister was chairing a preparatory meeting for the festival held here in the city. Navaneeth Shetty Kadri of the organizing committee said the festival would cost Rs 2.5 crore. In response, the minister expressed confidence to arrange funds to cover  the cost, with the cooperation from other sources and departments. The member said, coupons of Rs. 100 are ready for distribution to raise funds. Each Tulu lover could purchase a coupon each for the success of the festival, he said.

Rai added that the Chief Minister is likely to attend the valedictory of the festival on December 14. The festival would be organised jointly by government with private participation.

The Minister instructed Health Officer of Mangalore City Corporation Manjaiah Shetty to take care of sanitation works for the festival and instructed other government department officials to extend all cooperation for the success of the festival.

The minister instructed the muzrai officials to ensure that temples in the district give rice required for mass feeding. The committee in its presentation stated that 100 quintals of rice would be required.

The committee sought medical assistance and help from police to manage the festival.

Ivan D’Souza, MLC, Thulasi Maddineni, Chief Executive Officer of Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat and M. Janaki Brahmavar, president, Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy were present at the meeting.