For providing better place and platform to the music lovers and audience, Minister for Housing, Horticulture and Culture Mr. Raman Bhalla has said that Government has already released Rs. 5.77 crore for modernization of Kala Kendra and Abhinav Theatre.This was informed by the Minister while interacting with the officers of Roads and Buildings (R&B) department after reviewing the progress of modernization works of Kala Kendra at Bikram Chowk and Abhinav Theatre at Canal Road, here today.Mr. Bhalla said the released funds have been kept at the disposal of Chief Engineer R&B Jammu for carrying out necessary renovation works of both the places. He asked the R&B to complete the restoration work of roof top, plaster work on walls, white wash inside and outside Abhinav Theatre including sub-office, painting of all wooden and steel work, new modern lighting system inside and outside with power saver electrification, modern lighting for stage, wiring system of audio system in auditorium, stage with teak wood, central office building, old water tank, air condition, green rooms, wash rooms of auditorium besides repair of K L Saigal hall and installation of firefighting equipment’s.
The Minister further asked the R&B engineers to immediately remove old chairs and install new quality make chairs.Additional Secretary Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Cultural and Languages (JKAACL) Mrs. Savita Bakshi, Superintending Engineer R&B Mr. S P Manhas besides other senior officers from R&B and JKAACL accompanied the Minister.The Minister revealed that promotion of culture and art has received focused attention of the Government, adding that all other cultural centres would be modernized and equipped with high-tech audiovisual systems in a phased manner across the state. He said the Government has also released an amount of Rs. 4 crore for modernization of Tagore Hall at Srinagar. He said the renovation and modernization work of the Tagore Hall have been entrusted to JKPCC.
The Minister said Government has also submitted a detailed project report of Rs. 9.25 crore to Central government for construction of one more state of art auditorium in 5 kanals of available land at Kala Kendra near Bikram Chowk, adding that work on the auditorium would be started immediately after receiving approval from GoI.Mr. Bhalla said Government has also released Rs. 15 crore for construction of prestigious Teachers’ Bhawan and state- of- the- art fully air conditioned auditorium at Gandhi Nagar. He said the projects are under progress on war-footing and would be completed within stipulated time frame. He said the twin projects are being developed with all modern facilities. He said that after completion of the projects, the teachers and students will be able to conduct extracurricular activities in a systematic manner, while the teachers coming from other districts for official purpose would be able to get proper accommodation.