Rs 41 crore structural repairs and renovation work of Kala Academy was awarded without following the regular tendering process , the government told the High Court of Bombay at Goa .
The PWD told the court that the work was awarded on nomination basis as it had to be undertaken on an “urgent basis” . It added that since it is a prominent cultural center , the work was given to a specialized agency with experience and expertise in the field .
Mahua Moitra member of Lok Sabha recently tweeted that ,”₹49 cr renovation of Kala Academy in Goa awarded on pick & choose basis, NO tender, no financial or technical bid. PWD requests Techton to take up work & they accept same day! “.
The work was awarded to Techton Buildcons Pvt Ltd. on May 3 ,2021 at a cost of Rs 39.6 crore plus taxes .
A prominent centre for promoting art and culture in Goa, Kala Academy that hosted numerous festivals and concerts since it opened in 1970, is in need of maintenance since there is serious wear and tear over the years. From 2019, conversations on its renovations have been doing the rounds. Designed by renowned architect Charles Correa, this building under the Ministry of Art and Culture, Goa, has had various private and government agencies give recommendations for renovation.
