As the condition of Kala Academy remains unchanged, a group of artistes have reportedly united to demand a white paper giving details of the repairs carried out at the premiere cultural centre and the resignation of the Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude from his position as chairman of Kala Academy. It may be noted that the iconic structure was renovated over a period of three years by spending crores of rupees. However, incidents such as water leakage in the main theatre and collapse of the false ceiling have raised a question over the quality of work undertaken. The roof of the open-air theatre collapsed in July last year. Since the government has failed miserably in maintaining the structure and since artistes are the primary stakeholders of the facility, it would be in the fitness of things to hand over the upkeep of the cultural centre to the artistes' forum. The government could provide necessary funds to the forum periodically for the preservation of the iconic structure. Artistes will also be in a better position to provide quality lighting and proper sound-system which have not been up to the standard.
