The observations made by the Task Force Committee on the quality of Kala Academy renovation work that it does not deserve "passing marks” make interesting reading and open up the contentious issue wider. The prestigious Kala Academy which is considered the cultural seat of Goa and an epicentre has hit controversy over its renovation even as Art and Culture Govind Gaude strikes a defiant chord and brushes aside all criticism.
The Task Force Committee, led by theatre artiste Vijay Kenkre, was put on the job to assess the works after various theatre personalities, stage actors and directors expressed displeasure in clear terms. Kenkre's statement on Monday took the issue to a different level. "The quality of work doesn't deserve even passing marks and there is a lot to be fixed. There are problems with ACs, leakages and sound system among others that need to be resolved", he lamented.
There are several questions that emerge from the Task Force's observations. Firstly, what is the depth of the Task Force opinion? We ask this because the committee was hand-picked by those having issues with the renovation and demanding a probe. The task force members are not officially nominated by the government or the chief minister and hence there is an element of uncertainty over technicalities.
ACs malfunctioning or sound system not giving its optimum and even leakages in some areas may not warrant a report that calls it "below passing". Kenkre has opined that experts have to be roped in to resolve issues, and rightly so. We don't understand the logic of appointing a Task Force which has no technical expertise or individuals who are unable to pinpoint areas of "shoddy workmanship", use of inferior materials or deviation from the aesthetic charm of the structure.
Artistes are not in a position to assess Kala Academy on any of these parameters, and their appointment in the Task Force does not make sense. The government had to initiate a quality audit by experts and include the team members of various sections, including artistes so that fairness is maintained. If Gaude disputes the findings of the Task Force, he has every reason to do so because these are not expert committee findings.
Enough has been said about the quality of work, and it’s time for the issue to be closed. There are crores of public money involved in the renovation of Kala Academy, and people were given the understanding that the work will uplift the crumbling infrastructure to meet contemporary standards while keeping the heritage aesthetics intact. Has that been met? The people of the State are looking for an answer on whether Gaude has delivered on his promise or compromised on the job. ACs and sound systems are secondary issues.
Kala Academy is a space where artists, performers, and cultural ambassadors of Goa converge to showcase and celebrate the State’s rich heritage. Against the backdrop of suspicion in the quality of works in various projects including roads, Kala Academy works are a matter of concern, not only because of the money spent but because it is a priceless asset of the State. There can’t be any compromises here. The government must clear the air and immediately set the ball rolling so that such a pivotal institution gets the reverence it deserves.
