The Uttar Pradesh government may be starved for funds but that didn't stop it from paying ruling Samajwadi Party's star MP Jaya Prada Rs.1 million (Rs 10 lakhs) for a dance show.

The hefty sum was part of the Rs.3.5 million Jaya Prada was given for an hour's dance performance at the cultural festival Lucknow Mahotsava this week.

In contrast, renowned vocalist Pandit Jasraj had to remain content with Rs.350,000 - just one-tenth of Jaya Prada's fee. Lesser-known artistes were paid a pittance.

Opened by Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav, the closing function of the 10-day event was chaired by Samajwadi Party general secretary Amar Singh, who is stated to have been instrumental in fixing Jaya Prada's programme as well as her fat fee.

"We have paid only Rs.1 million out of our kitty to her; the remaining Rs.2.5 million were paid out of a sponsorship by a private company," said Divisional Commissioner R.K. Mittal, who also heads the Lucknow Mahotsava organising committee.

"She was paid Rs.3.5 million for her performance at the Taj Mahotsava in Agra earlier this year."

Another top official justified the fee, saying: "Jaya Prada's is a 67-member troupe and it costs her a lot to cart the team, their equipment, costumes, etc."