PANAJI
The Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude has said the tendering process for reconstruction and repair work of Rajiv Gandhi Kala Mandir of Ponda has been done and the reconstruction work is expected to be completed by June end.
Rajiv Gandhi Kala Mandir construction work was started in 1992. It took ten years to complete the project. In 2002 the work was completed and Kala Mandir was opened to the public in 2004. Now the building needs urgent repairs.
"When I was art and culture minister in the earlier government I tendered for replacement of the damaged existing tiles. For expenditure sanction the file has been sent to the Chief Minister," said Gaude adding that the work might be complete by June end.
As per the minister, the Rajiv Gandhi Kala Mandir was repaired two times before.
"GSIDC has done the renovation of the Rajiv Gandhi Kala Mandir for the second time. However the tiling work was not proper", said Gaude.
Within no time the work will start, added Gaude.
"We feel ashamed to welcome guests on the floor with broken tiles of the Kala Mandir," he added.
"I have told my officers to inspect the progress work personally as by June end the work will be done," said Gaude.
Gaude expressed confidence that the reconstruction of the Rajiv Gandhi Kala Mandir can be done without hampering day-to-day functions taking place at the Kala Mandir.
"45 days are more than enough to complete the work once the work is started," he said.
