Disuse lands MSKA Hall in deplorable state
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 03 2022:
Condition of the Manipur State Kala Akademi's (MSKA) hall at Palace Compound whose construction began nearly a decade back by the Public Works Department has worsened considerably due to abandonment by the authority concerned.
The hall was constructed solely to be a venue of different exhibitions and shows such as Sumang Kumhei, drama, painting, sculpture and other art events.
Today, The Sangai Express went for inspection to see the condition of the hall and found it in a very distressing situation as even the gate wasn't locked properly while tall grasses and plants were seen growing in all sides of the hall.
At the very first glimpse, the condition of the hall whose construction is almost complete is upsetting as there are strong indications of people relieving themselves in the abandoned complex.
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The hall was used as a Covid testing centre during the peak of the pandemic.
Speaking to The Sangai Express, one of the officials of the Manipur State Kala Akademi said that the project was implemented by PWD over a decade back but the same hasn't been handed over to the Akademi as of yet.
Saying that the Akademi has already apprised the Government to make the hall functional as soon as possible, the official stated that the hall has one auditorium, one art gallery and one conference hall.
Further stating that Akademi may receive additional revenue to promote artistes of the State once the hall starts operating, he added that the Akademi, however, has been spending a large chunk of money in hiring halls to host art events since the past.
The fee for hiring halls is very high as Chandrakiti Hall charges Rs 30,000 per day while Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) and Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy (JNMDA) charges Rs 35,000 and 15,000 per day respectively, he added.
The land area of the entire complex including the hall measures around 0.80 acre while the seating capacity of the auditorium is 500, the official continued.
Maintaining that MSKA was established in 1972 and it used a room of the JNMDA in its initial stage, he added that the MSKA had its full-fledged office only in 1985 at Khuman Lampak.
The official went on to state that MSKA has been organising all art events and workshops related to Sahitya Akademi, Sangeet Natak Akademi and Lalit Kala Akademi without having its own hall till date as the State hasn't established separate academies for the promotion of different art forms.
Maintaining that MSKA has been providing awards, fellowship and other benefits to both young and veteran artistes annually apart from sponsoring Sumang Kumei Festival, he added that every activity of MSKA is being supervised by the State Government and no assistance comes from the Centre.
MSKA also collaborates with National Akademis from time to time, he added.