MARGAO
Asserting that the Ravindra Bhavan, Margao is meant to be a hub for art, culture, and community expression, former member of the State Cultural Development Committee Vishal Pai Cacode has said that changes in the venue booking system have raised serious concerns about transparency and democratic functioning.
He said the new process mandates that every booking requires the personal approval of Chairman Rajendra Talak — a move that reeks of autocratic control.
“What was once a simple, public-friendly system has now turned into a gatekeeping mechanism aimed at centralizing power in one individual’s hands,” said Pai Cacode. “No event can move forward without the Chairman’s green signal, reducing a cultural institution to a one-man show. This isn’t administration — it’s dictatorship in disguise”, he added.
Strongly condemning this shift, Cacode said “Permissions must be granted through a due administrative process, not based on personal whims. This ego-driven setup must be dismantled, and the new Member Secretary must red-flag such misuse of authority.”
He added: Such centralization not only delays cultural activities but also defeats the very purpose of a publicly funded institution. Artists, event organizers, and the general public deserve a transparent and efficient system — not one controlled by personal discretion.
Cacode said it’s time to restore public access, administrative accountability, and the democratic spirit of Ravindra Bhavan,” saying “The culture of control must give way to a culture of openness.”
