Puri: Youth Congress (YC) activists have lodged a complaint with the Vigilance department alleging financial irregularities in the renovation of Annapurna Theatre (A group) here.
The activists urged the Vigilance department to probe the matter and take appropriate action against the persons involved in the irregularities.
In their complaint, the YC activists have claimed that various government and non-government organisations allocated lakhs of rupees for the renovation of Annapurna Theatre, which had played a major role in the development of opera theatre in the state.
As per the complaint, the cyclonic storm Phailin caused extensive damage to the theatre in 2014. Puri MP and local MLA had sanctioned around Rs 15 lakh in several phases to undertake renovation and repair works. Similarly, many social activists, theatre lovers, intellectuals and the common people had donated around Rs 7.50 lakh for the same purpose.
Moreover, some locals had also donated construction materials and electronic equipment for the purpose. However, the authorities concerned could not renovate the theatre properly. Some unscrupulous people had misappropriated the funds meant for the renovation work, alleged the complaint.
The complaint further claimed that the Culture department had sanctioned Rs 20 lakh to give a facelift to the theatre. There were several irregularities in the renovation of gallery, light and sound system, green room and other infrastructure at the theatre, alleged the complaint.
“We have urged the Vigilance department to look into the utilisation of funds sanctioned for renovation of Annapurna theatre,” said Youth Congress activist Swadhin Panda.
District culture officer Choudhury Aravind Das said the Culture department had prepared an estimate of Rs 23 lakh give the theatre a facelift. It had sanctioned Rs 20 lakh in the first phase. “We would co-operate the Vigilance officials in probing the allegations of financial irregularities in the renovation work,” he added.
Vigilance DSP Har Narayan Pati said they have received a complaint from the Youth Congress regarding financial irregularities in the renovation work. “We would look into the issue,” he added.
Notably, Puri MLA and Revenue Minister Maheswar Mohanty inaugurated a renovated Annapurna theatre Wednesday.