Tiatrists should be refunded and compensated : MLA Viegas

Goa Khabar : Speaking to reporters after a meeting, Benaulim MLA Capt. Venzy Viegas stated that according to the information received, the main auditorium of Ravindra Bhavan has been closed as it is deemed unsafe for the public. However, upon learning that a meeting was underway in the ‘Black Box’ he went there along with some tiatrists. When they reached the hall, Ravindra Bhavan Chairman Rajendra Talak gave evasive answers.

Later during the meeting, it was clarified that the main auditorium was shut due to safety concerns. “If it is unsafe for the public, how is it safe for the Ravindra Bhavan officials?” questioned AAP’s MLA Capt. Viegas. It was said that the Black Box where the meeting was being held, is not part of the main auditorium, though there are some technical issues there as well.

The tiatr season has begun, and many tiatrists had booked the main auditorium at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao in advance, paying fees and even spending on advertisements. We demand that their money be refunded and they be compensated for the loss. However, Chairman Rajendra Talak claims he has no knowledge about this.

As the custodian of Ravindra Bhavan, he is responsible for the current state of affairs. The maintenance and repair of the auditorium should have been co-ordinated earlier with the PWD department. MLA Viegas criticized the Ravindra Bhavan management for failing in this regard.

Government buildings are inspected annually, but no inspection was done for the past two years, and Chairman Talak is responsible for this lapse, said Viegas. He further remarked that looking at the expenses incurred on the Ravindra Bhavan building in Margao, it appears as if it has become the “second Taj Mahal” after Kala Academy. Viegas demanded clarity on whether corruption is involved or not.

No one is able to say when the work on the main auditorium will be completed, said MLA Capt. Venzy Viegas.

AAP leader Sandesh Telekar called for the CM’s intervention, stating that just like the current situation of Ravindra Bhavan in Margao, the newly constructed Ravindra Bhavan in Canacona is also in poor shape.

Teleikar lamented that rain water leaked into the Canacona building during the very first ahowers, which is a serious issue. Stating that the Chief Minister should take note of this, he demanded strict action against those responsible. Teleikar criticized the BJP Govt, saying it is only interested in promoting casino culture and not Goan culture.

Tiatrists had paid in advance and reserved the main auditorium at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao. But since it is closed for repairs, the question now is: where should they stage their plays? This concern was voiced by tiatrists C. D’Silva, Juze Ivan, and Nazario Fernandes.