Aurangabad, June 27:
The development works of Sant Eknath Rangmandir which was once a centre for art, literature, cultural movement, is pending because of the paucity of fund.
It may be noted that Aurangabad Municipal Corporation dedicated Sant Eknath Rangmandir to the public in 1991.
It became a centre of theatre movement within a short span. The stage provided many excellent artists to the State.
The condition of Rangmandir is bad since 2016. The professional artists were facing inconvenience in staging their shows. Curtains, chairs were in a sorry state. Artists from the city raised the voice against the bad condition of Sant Eknath Rangmandir.
The ruling office-bearers of AMC shut down the cultural centre in 2017 on the pretext of repairing.
The estimate of repair was Rs 2.50 crore in the beginning. The ruling office-bearers increased the estimate up to Rs 8 crore, gradually adding more works, including civil work, replacing AC facility, establishing a new stage and lighting system.
No contract was ready to do this work as the Civic body was facing a financial crisis. It was announced that the Smart City fund would be used for the repair works. The contractors started repair works with enthusiasm. Later, it was declared that the Smart City fund would not be used for the repair works. The contractors halted the works. A total of 30 per cent of repair works are still pending. The Rs 3-4 crore bills of contractors were not cleared yet.
The district guardian minister announced two weeks ago to help get Rs 5 crore fund to complete the repair works.
The AMC received nothing yet. Repairs will certainly remain pending up to December because of a shortage of fund.
AMC City Engineer Sakharam Panzhade said that there is a need for Rs 5 crore to complete the pending works of Sant Eknath Rangmandir.
“The State Government provided Rs 1.50 crore earlier. The AMC is waiting for the remaining amount. The pending works would be completed on receiving fund,” he added.