PANJIM: Finally, the iconic Kala Academy building, which was mired in controversy for the last nearly two-and-half years over its renovation, was reopened on Friday.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant reopened the renovated building at a grand function attended by PWD Minister Nilesh Cabral, Minister for Art and Culture and Chairman of Kala Academy Govind Gaude, among others.
Speaking on the occasion, Sawant said the Kala Academy auditorium would be open 365 days for all artistes and will be available for bookings from December.
Cabral said that the contractor who has executed the renovation work will also look after the maintenance work for the next five years as it was part of the contract. He said the work of the open air auditorium, which collapsed in July this year will also be taken up after floating the tender for the same soon, he added.
Gaude said that famous playback singer Asha Bhosle will be honoured by the State government during the Swar Mangesh Programme to be held at the Kala Academy auditorium, Campal-Panjim from December 7 to 9.
Recently, the Art and Culture Minister had said that the venue is fully prepared to host the 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) which starts from November 20.
The Kala Academy was caught in the controversy following reports appeared that renovation works costing Rs 49.57 crore was awarded to M/s Techton Buildcon Pvt Ltd, through nomination process, thereby violating the guidelines set for procurement of works by Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, Central Vigilance Commission guidelines and the Central PWD Rules.
