Team Herald
PANJIM: High drama was witnessed at the 24th edition of Lokotsav 2025 at the Kala Academy Darya Sangam, Campal-Panjim as some vendors complained that they were not allotted stalls even after making payments while another vendor complained that his stall number was allotted to somebody else.
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The aggrieved vendors met Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude, who assured that he would conduct an inquiry into the matter.
Pankaj Kumar, a vendor from Uttar Pradesh complained that he had paid Rs 12,000 and was allotted stall Number 42. But when he went to occupy it, he found somebody else had displayed his articles and claimed that it was allotted to her. The woman who occupied the stall said that she had paid Rs 10,000.
“How can Directorate of Art and Culture allot the same stall to two vendors and that too in advance?” Kumar asked.
Many other vendors protested at the venue alleging that they too were not allotted stalls. A vendor said that he was given a small stall. A vendor from Mumbai said that he came with his goods but was unable to display it in the absence of the stall. The allotment of stall lacked transparency, they rued.
Many vendors were hoping location of their stalls near the entrance considering footfalls was highest there.
Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude assured the protesters that he would inquire into the matter.
Around 550 stalls have been put up exhibiting handicraft items from different States including Goa. The exhibition and food stalls is open for public from 10 am to 10 pm from January 17 to 26.
A craft workshop on Mollela, a traditional terracotta art of Rajasthan will also be organised ion collaboration with the West Zone Cultural Centre, Udaipur for the benefit of public and art lovers at the rehearsal hall of Kala Academy from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm from January 20 to 24.
