The State Government is finding hassles in setting up of High-level Cultural Centres in the major cities of Jharkhand. In a recent review meeting, Chief Secretary RS Sharma had instructed State Art, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs officials to begin this work at the earliest.
Defending Government’s action over this matter State Art, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs Director Ashok Kumar said, “The planning for the purpose has to be done on paper. Such issues take time to get a shape and cannot be made somehow. It is essential to have a proper location, allotment of money and budgetary provisions for the establishment.”
“We will produce a proposal for the matter in the next financial year,” Kumar said.Adding more observation over the quick-made cultural hubs, Chief Secretary Sharma had asked the State Art, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs Secretary Vandana Dadel and Director Ashok Kumar to associate independent units for the management of these cultural centres.
Sharma had also requested the officials to construct an artistic auditorium with a Kalidas Theatre.Notably, the State administration had decided to establish cultural centres in order to preserve and boost up the full-fledged Jharkhand culture.Meanwhile, restoration of the 158 years finest colonial building Audrey House at the Governor House premises, which is also to be developed as a cultural focal point is going on at a steady pace undertaken by the State Art, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs department with technical support of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) Jharkhand Chapter as a consultant designer.
Audrey House built by Captain Hannyington in the not-so-distant past when Ranchi was the summer capital of undivided Bihar had served as the secretariat. The Governor’s house was constructed later. According to official sources, the renovated Audrey House will work as a single storey conservation building comprising a museum, audio-visual hall, art gallery, library and conference room abounded with paintings, sculptures, rare photographs and antique items.
“On the interest of Governor Dr Syed Ahmed this ancient house would depict the lifestyle pictures of first Indian lady Prime Minister Indira Gandhi but as of now no further discussion at government level has been done. After the completion of the restoration by the end of coming December month and surrounding development, we will think further,” the official source said. The official’s words were related to Governor laying the foundation stone of Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre at this Audrey House premises on January 27.