the goan I network
MARGAO
In an interesting development, the General Council of the Ravindra Bhavan has called for a probe into the grants sanctioned by the government to the cultural institution and whether the grants were utilised as per the norms during the period 2012-16.
At the General Council meeting chaired by Ravindra Bhavan chairperson Prashant Naik, there was a clamour from some members over the institution of a probe into what they termed as financial irregularities during the period.
Member Sameer Kamat and Roussel Miranda made a forceful plea to the General Council to order a Vigilance probe into what they termed as alleged financial irregularities in the utilisation of the grants sanctioned by the cultural institution by the government. “We have asked for a Vigilance probe into the grants sanctioned for Ravindra Bhavan, how they were utilised and whether they were utilised for the activities of Ravindra Bhavan or some other areas in the State,” Sameer said.
Roussel echoed similar sentiments, saying that the members have only asked for a detailed probe to find out the utilisation of the grants as per the norms.
Both Sameer and Roussel said that when they had a glance at the documents compiled by Ravindra Bhavan, they came across a number of activities and programmes jointly organised by Ravindra Bhavan along with other institutions in far away places such as Zambaulim, Mollem, Quepem, Betki, Sanguem, Ugem, Canacona, Kulem, Fatorpa, Vasco, Ponda and a host of other places where Ravindra Bhavan had sanctioned funds for cultural activities. “We have called for the inquiry because every time we ask the General Council to fund any cultural programme, the body insists they are still clearing the past dues,” Sameer said.
When The Goan contacted Ravindra Bhavan Chairman Prashant Naik to shed light on the decision taken by the General Council, he confirmed that the Council has adopted the resolution to write to the parent department, Art and Culture to approach the competent authority to probe into the financial grants given to Ravindra Bhavan and their utilisation,” Prashant told The Goan.
When his attention was drawn to reports that Ravindra Bhavan Member Secretary Pandarinath Naik was not in favour of the body adopting a resolution calling for an inquiry, Prashant only said the Council has already adopted the resolution demanding a probe into the sanctioned grants and its utilisation during the period 2012-16.
