Programme fixed, guests will arrive, but where to sit?

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

Whenever a programme is scheduled at Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), preparations begin in full swing. However, even before arrangements for microphones, sound and welcome ceremonies are made, a pressing question arises, “Where will people sit?” The 57-year-old Mahatma Gandhi auditorium at GMCH currently stands without chairs, forcing the administration to repeatedly arrange seating from outside for events. Notably, although a contract has been awarded for renovation, the work has been stalled for over a year.

Despite the contract being issued for repairs and renovation, there has been little visible progress. This has raised concerns over whether the renovation exists only on paper. A considerable amount of time is spent arranging chairs whenever a programme is planned, defeating the very purpose of having an auditorium.

What works were approved?

Maintenance and repairs of the hall, installation of a modern sound system and new seating were approved. The old chairs were removed to install new ones, but the new seating is yet to be put in place.

Chairs brought from outside

An amount of Rs 1.38 crore was sanctioned for the renovation. The construction department completed the tender process and awarded the contract, but the work remains incomplete. As a result, chairs have to be brought from outside for every event. The contractor has been issued notices twice. The chief engineer, superintending engineer and executive engineer of the construction department must pay attention to the matter.

— Dr Shivaji Sukre, dean

Photo caption:

The auditorium at GMCH remains without chairs amid stalled renovation work.