Goa to spend Rs 13.5cr more By Pamela D'Mello Panaji, Nov. 14: With a power tussle for control of the International Film Festival of India simmering in the background, the state government of Goa has forked out an additional Rs 13.5 crores to add on infrastructure for Iffi's 38th edition.
A permanent media centre, conference rooms, two theatres with 300 seats, viewing rooms, besides offices for Central government agencies and entertainment society of Goa are being readied at the heritage precint adjoining the festival INOX theatres. At the 18th century Marquinez Palace, hundreds of workmen are busy round the clock to complete additional infrastructure. "So far the state has spent a total of Rs 150 crores in setting up basic infrastructure for Iffi, and we have explained this to the Centre", Goa chief secretary J.P. Singh told this newspaper. But word is out that ESG and state authorities would be on test this year, with several lobbies pressing for the festival's return to New Delhi or a more convenient location. An annual nearly month long sojourn for the festival's main organisers in New Delhi and Goa's scarce and expensive public services have worn off initial enthusiasm for the relocation. Detractors cite limited auditorium space, unmanageable crowds and misconceived fringe public entertainment that diverted focus from cinema as Goa's transgressions. In 2006 the festival got its worst press ever since its 2004 relocation to this west coast resort destination. "The Centre wanted to take it away this year itself," Goa chief minister Digamber Kamat confirmed. The I&B ministry refrained only to avoid embarrassment to the ruling Congress government. But the tussle for control of the festival between central and state agencies hasn't abated, functions slated to be handed over to ESG over time have reverted back to central agencies this year. Goa has been left with picking up the hefty tab for hospitality and organisation, leading to some resentment. http://www.asianage.com/presentation/leftnavigation/news/india/goa-to-sp end-rs-135cr-more.aspx ~(^^)~ Avelino
