Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: After over two years of delay, the long-awaited technical committee report probing alleged corruption and procedural lapses in the renovation of Kala Academy has been submitted to the Vigilance Department.
The committee, set up in January 2023 with a two-month deadline, was tasked with investigating complaints related to “corruption,” “irregularities,” and “illegalities” in the ₹56-crore refurbishment project. It finally completed its work and handed over the report last month under the leadership of WRD Chief Engineer Pramod Badami, who assumed charge in March 2024.
Confirming the development, Badami stated, “The report, with our observations and recommendations, has been handed over. It is now up to the Vigilance Department to proceed.”
The committee held around 15 sittings and recorded statements from officials of the Public Works Department (PWD), Directorate of Art and Culture, and contractors involved in the execution of the work. Sources said the panel closely examined documentation concerning work orders, many of which were issued on a nomination basis without going through competitive bidding. The investigation also included scrutiny of cost estimates, invoices, and payments made under the project.
Earlier progress was stalled when the panel’s former chairperson, Dr. Ashish Rege—then Principal of the Goa College of Architecture—retired in February 2023 without convening any meetings.
Director of Vigilance Amarsen Rane described the report as “extremely technical and confidential.” He said a detailed assessment is currently underway before the matter is placed before the State government. “The committee focused on technical irregularities. Our job now is to examine the findings and determine accountability where necessary,” Rane said.
The report comes in the wake of a separate Task Force review that had identified around 20 major flaws in the Kala Academy project. In response, the government has already engaged external consultants to carry out corrective works.
Back in 2022, both the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and Vigilance Department had independently flagged serious concerns, suggesting a prima facie scam involving as much as ₹49 crore. Following these findings, the Vigilance Department had recommended the formation of a technical committee to undertake an in-depth review of the project.
