Team Goemkarponn
VASCO: Despite the completion of the Rs 9 crore renovation of the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) building, the Mamlatdar and Deputy Collector offices continue to operate from Ravindra Bhavan, Baina, two years after they were temporarily relocated.
The prolonged stay has caused significant inconvenience to both the public and cultural programmes hosted at the Ravindra Bhavan.
The government offices were shifted in 2021 to facilitate the renovation of the historic MMC building. However, even though the work was completed about a year ago, the offices continue to remain in Ravindra Bhavan, occupying critical spaces such as the canteen and the art gallery.
Inconvenience to citizens
Citizens travelling from distant areas now face additional costs and time due to the offices of the two authorities located in Baina.
“It’s frustrating to travel to Vasco and then take another bus or rickshaw to reach Baina. This delay in shifting the offices back is affecting us badly,” said a local resident.
Impact on cultural events
Ravindra Bhavan’s primary purpose as a cultural and social hub has been hindered due to the continued presence of these offices.
Baina Ravindra Bhavan Chairman Jayant Jadhav voiced his frustration: “We are unable to utilise the art gallery for exhibitions because it is occupied by the Mamlatdar’s office.”
“Recently, we had to hold an art competition for children in makeshift arrangements, which is unacceptable when we have a dedicated gallery. This is a great inconvenience to us and the community,” he said.
He also highlighted the struggles of hosting cultural programmes.
“An upcoming exhibition by a renowned artist may have to be conducted in the open air, which is not suitable. Despite having upgraded facilities, including a new AC chiller plant, we are unable to use our premises fully,” Jadhav added.
Government’s position
According to MMC sources, the relocation of the offices is pending the formal inauguration of the renovated MMC building.
“The work on the building is complete, but we are waiting for a formal date from the minister for the inauguration. Once that is done, the government offices will return to their original spaces in the basement,” a source said.
The source acknowledged the inconvenience but added that the MMC’s internal departments had also been relocated multiple times during the renovation.
“The shifting process is dependent on the government’s formalities. Until then, these offices may have to remain at Ravindra Bhavan,” the source explained.
Broken promises
Former urban development minister Milind Naik had assured in October 2021 that the offices would return once renovations were completed. He had suggested the move to Ravindra Bhavan as a temporary measure to expedite the renovation process.
Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude, during a site visit in May 2022, had also promised action.
“Ravindra Bhavan is meant to promote art and social programmes. These government offices will have to shift out after the AC plant is replaced, and the premises are fully operational,” he had said.
Way forward
With the MMC building ready and Ravindra Bhavan upgraded, stakeholders have appealed to the government to expedite the relocation process.
“The MMC building is complete, but the delay in inaugurating it is holding everyone back. It’s time for the government to take this matter seriously,” said Jadhav.
For now, both citizens and cultural enthusiasts are left waiting for the “temporary” arrangements to end, hoping for a resolution that will restore Ravindra Bhavan to its intended purpose.
