CM Sawant's Risky Bet: IFFI At Kala Academy Despite Safety Concerns, RTI Activist Demands Answers

 

The 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is underway at the iconic Kala Academy in Goa.
However, the event is overshadowed by a dark cloud of controversy and potential danger. Concerns
about the building's structural integrity following a roof collapse in July, coupled with accusations of
corruption and a lack of transparency in the renovation process, have turned the spotlight on Chief
Minister Pramod Sawant.

An art lover and a RTI activist from Bengaluru TJ Abraham has taken a stand, demanding answers
from the government and CM Sawant about the renovation project. Driven by a deep concern for the
preservation of Goa's cultural heritage, he has filed a string of RTI applications seeking specific
information about the renovation project. These questions delve into the heart of the matter,
demanding transparency in aspects such as the identity of the contractors involved, the cost of the
renovation, the time period allotted for the work, and the dubious tendering process.

The call for transparency is fueled by the troubling memory of the collapsed roof and the
government's inadequate response. The incident raised serious concerns about the building's safety,
concerns that remain unanswered even as the IFFI commences.

Concerns are also being raised that the building was hurriedly inaugurated just in time for the film
festival, raising questions about the motives behind the rushed reopening. Many believe that it was
an attempt by CM Sawant to project an image of normalcy, despite the serious safety concerns.
Opposition parties, including Vijai Sardesai of the Goa Forward Party, have joined the calls for a
thorough investigation into the renovation project. The revelation that the initial work was awarded
illegally to a close associate of CM Sawant only amplifies the concerns about corruption and
favoritism.

The administration of CM Sawant in Goa has been plagued by accusations of widespread corruption,
undermining the public's trust in governance and casting a shadow over the state's development
prospects. The Kala Academy project, shrouded in secrecy and irregularities, has raised concerns
about the misuse of public funds and the lack of transparency in the tendering process. The current
situation raises a stark question: Is the government prioritizing a glamorous event over the safety of
its citizens and cover up the alleged blatant misappropriation of funds for the renovation of the

building?