Team Herald
VASCO: Slamming the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) for neglecting the projects proposed for promoting Art and Culture in Goa, Minister for Art and Culture Dayanand Mandrekar said that he is upset with the way Kala Bhawan project at Upasnagar in Sancoale which is in final stage has been left incomplete by GSIDC since last several years.
Mandrekar was speaking to reporters after launching of de-silting and improvement of Sasmollem water body near Baina church, on Tuesday.
“It irritates me when the GSIDC neglects the projects that aim at promoting art and culture among Goans. I feel that GSIDC has been spending money for the projects that are not important,” Mandrekar said.
but has been trying to neglect Goan culture and possibly due to this reason the corporation has been neglecting projects like Kala Bhawan in Sancoale which though is in final stage, is still left abandoned; and antisocial elements have been misusing the building premises,” he said.
When asked what attempts he has made as Art and culture Minister to ensure that the long pending facility of Kala Bhawan gets completed as early as possible, he said, “Firstly, I want to clarify that only after the project is completed and handed over to Art and Culture our role starts and not before that. But people have some misconception on this and they have been questioning us for any delay in such projects. Still it is a matter of record that for Kala Bhawan project in Sancoale, I personally held four meetings with the GSIDC officials along with MLA Alina Saldanha seeking early completion of the project.”
“Besides, we have also visited the project site on several occasions, but I have no idea why despite assurance by the GSIDC officials, the project is still kept pending. It’s not that funding is an issue here,” he said.
“Since the project is still with GSIDC, we have no role to play and GSIDC chairman and deputy chairman should reply why they have kept the project pending completion. GSIDC has been giving us deadlines, but I don’t think even a single rupees has been spent on this important project which unacceptable at all,” he added.
