Thiruvananthapuram: An expert committee constituted by the Union Ministry of Culture will arrive in the capital this month to review the prospects of converting the Tagore theatre complex into ‘Rabindra Bhavan.’ "The committee led by theatre personality Sanjana Kapoor and comprising top officials of the Department of Culture is expected to arrive by mid-July,’’ said A Firoz, Director, Information and Public Relations Department, (I&PRD).
The I&PRD, which implements the development project on the Tagore theatre premises, now expects to complete the works ahead of the schedule announced earlier. ‘’Though the original target is 2015, we expect to complete the works by 2014-end, considering the current pace,’’ Firoz said.
The State Government had earlier submitted a proposal to the Centre to convert the theatre complex into Rabindra Bhavan. The Rs 24.6-crore proposal moots a host of developmental activities which would make the centre a befitting tribute to the maestro. They include the renovation of the Tagore theatre, setting up of a multiplex, an open air theatre and a mini theatre. A library, mini-museum and a walkway adorned with murals on the side wall are other highlights of the project.
The fund will be sanctioned only after the expert committee gives its nod. However, as the Central norms do not allow theatres in the Rabindra Bhavan scheme, the State Government plans to chip in the amount required for the same.
The State Government had earmarked Rs 10 crore for the project, of which around Rs 6 crore has already been spent. It is now making all efforts to bring the committee as early as possible to avoid any delay in the sanctioning of funds. ‘’The committee is now on a foreign tour. We are trying our best to bring them to Kerala as soon as they return,’’ Firoz said.
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