No Public Money Utilized for Filmfare: ATDC

The Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) Chairman Jayanta MallaBaruah on Monday said that the state government has not utilized public money northe funds sanctioned for developmental schemes to organize the Filmfare Awards.

Addressing a press conference today, the ATDC Chairman said that the Times Group has spent Rs. 35 crores for the stars accommodation, communication, labour charge etc. That money has been spent on Assam, said Baruah.

The Chairman further stated that 80 stars from the Bollywood industrywere present in the Filmfare Award and it will reach up to 200 crores of peopleand therefore, the Assam tourism has spent Rs. 23 crores for the development ofthe industry.

"Four stars have promoted Filmfare by promoting Assam. The Assamgovernment has another deal to promote tourism and keeping aside the Filmfare,we will be able to discuss the developmental issue," said Baruah.

The ATDC Chairman also thanked BJP, AGP and BPF for making the event asuccess. He also said that the Times Group has given a chance to Assam topresent its culture by breaking some customs of 64 years.

Baruah also thanked Zubeen Garg for supporting the event saying thatmany artists' have provoked the people to oppose the event but Zubeen has shownthem the right path.

He also stated that the tickets worth Rs. 4crores have been sold and 50% of the ticket prices have been provided to Chief Minister's relief fund.