July 30 – Opposition today cornered the govt over Rs 49.57 crore worth Kala Academy renovation work. They demanded house committee and also FIR on those responsible for the alleged substandard work. Report of the 3 member committee appointed to perform thorough study of the issue will be presented during the next assembly session, CM Pramod Sawant assured the house today. He also said that a committee of ‘genuine’ artists will be constituted to give suggestions to the govt regarding the matter. Suggestions given by the opposition as well as Charles Correa Foundation will be considered, he added. He also said that the structural stability of the iconic building after renovation work has been verified by IIT Mumbai. Sawant informed that of the Rs 49.57 crore, Rs 42 crore has been paid to the contractor as on date. His defect liability period is 3 years and he is expected to maintain the structure for 5 years, Sawant added.
Sawant went on to inform that renovation work has made it possible to hold programs at Kala Academy during the monsoon season as well, as the issue of water coming inside the academy and affecting first few rows has been taken care of.
