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Demands transparency, better infrastructure, and accountability in cultural administration
Goa Khabar : A delegation of Kala Rakhan Mandd today met the Member Secretary of Kala Academy, Shankar Gaonkar, to follow up on various long-pending issues concerning the state’s premier cultural institution, including serious corruption charges in the recent renovation works.
The delegation, led by Convenor Devidas Amonkar, comprised noted artists and cultural activists Cecille Rodrigues, Dnyanesh Moghe, Francis Coelho, Sai Palondikar, Damodar Kamat, Dilip Prabhudessai, and Harshada Kerkar Sonak. The members expressed grave concern over the poor infrastructure, administrative irregularities, and lack of transparency in the functioning of Kala Academy.
Kala Rakhan Mandd also demanded that the Academy must release its Annual Calendar of Activities at the beginning of every year, ensuring timely planning and participation by Goan artists. The delegation further pointed out that the 50 years of the prestigious Konkani Drama Competition, a milestone in Goa’s cultural history was not celebrated on the scale it deserved, reflecting the administration’s apathy towards theatre and performing arts.
The members reiterated that Kala Academy, envisioned as a hub for nurturing Goan art and culture, has sadly been reduced to an institution plagued by neglect, damaged facilities, and lack of engagement with the local art community. They urged the government to conduct an independent audit and inquiry into the renovation expenditures and tender processes to restore public confidence and accountability.
Member Secretary Shankar Gaonkar assured the delegation that the concerns raised by Kala Rakhan Mandd would be taken seriously and that corrective steps would be initiated on priority, particularly to improve infrastructure, transparency, and institutional planning.
