PANAJI
The State government constituted Task Force Committee will inspect the Kala Academy complex on October 21 to review the status of infrastructure work of the iconic structure, whose renovation work has been mired with alleged corruption charges.
The 13-member Committee, headed by theatre artist Vijay Kenkre, will hold its first meeting on October 22. The committee will have to suggest necessary recommendations for improvement and upgradation of Kala Academy.
This development comes ahead of the International Film Festival of India, scheduled in November when the premises will be used for film screenings, talk shows, exhibitions and other related events.
The State government, via an order last month, constituted the committee, wherein IAS officer and Education Secretary Prasad Lolayekar has been appointed as the nodal officer to facilitate coordination between the government and the committee.
The Committee has to review all repairs and renovation changes carried out till date, check present supply or works carried out satisfactorily and to recommend changes, wherever necessary.
It has to also review auditorium related issues like lights, sound, acoustic, etc and give recommendations.
Chief Engineer of PWD Santosh Mhapne will serve as the Member Secretary of the committee which includes Tomazinho Cardozo, William Fernandes, Praveen Gaonkar, Satish Gawas, Devidas Amonkar, Francis Coelho, a representative from the Charles Correia Foundation, the Chief Architect of PWD, the Member Secretary of Kala Academy and Mrunal Walke, General Manager of ESG as its members.
The Kala Academy building was renovated at a cost of Rs 56 crore and the allegation was of Rs 49 crore scam.
The Opposition MLAs had raised questions over the quality of renovation work with the government also facing protests by a group of artists against the manner in which the works were executed by the concerned contractor.
