By Pradeep Padgaokar
The recent statement by Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant regarding the Kala Academy repairs has stirred significant debate. On Friday, the CM declared that the shoddy work at this prominent cultural venue must be rectified by the contractor at zero cost to the government. He further said that once the contractor completes the corrective work, they would be blacklisted.
While the CM’s words seem decisive, they also serve as a tacit acknowledgement of deeper problems – chiefly, that the initial work was sub-standard and possibly marred by corruption.
To openly admit that the contractor must redo the work without additional charges is, in effect, an admission that the original project was poorly executed, despite the money spent.
What makes this case more alarming is the way the tender for the Kala Academy contract was awarded. It was reportedly given on a nomination basis—a method that bypasses transparent bidding and scrutiny. Locally, this has been referred to as the “Shah Jahan Model,” a cynical reference implying favouritism and patronage over merit and fairness.
Awarding government contracts without open competitive bidding undermines public trust and raises suspicions of undue influence and kickbacks.
It puts the quality of public projects at risk, as contractors selected through nominations may prioritize profit over quality and deadlines. Kala Academy, a key cultural landmark in Goa, deserves better than to be a showcase for such lax governance.
Dr. Sawant’s promise to blacklist the contractor after the rectification work is a step in the right direction but feels like too little, too late. Blacklisting may prevent this particular contractor from future projects, but it does not address the systemic failure that allowed sub-standard work to be contracted in the first place.
What Goa urgently needs now is an independent judicial inquiry or a thorough Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the Kala Academy contract and its execution. This is essential to uncover the full extent of any corruption, identify those responsible, and ensure accountability. Only such a probe can restore public confidence and act as a deterrent against future malpractice.
Transparency and accountability are not just administrative buzzwords – they are foundational to good governance.
The Kala Academy controversy should be a wake-up call for Goa’s political and administrative leadership to clean up tendering processes, enforce quality standards strictly, and protect public assets.
If the government truly wishes to uphold the people’s trust, it must move beyond damage control and ensure that justice is served – starting with a credible investigation into the Kala Academy scandal.
