RMC blamed for high rent of Kala Kendram

Rajamahendravaram: Many cultural organisations, Kala Parishads, literary associations, writers associations and non-governmental organisations etc. are expressing concern over the high rentals of Sri Venkateswara Anam Kala Kendram (SVAKK) here. The rent of the auditorium was escalated after Rajamahendravaram Municipal Corporation (RMC) took its reigns nearly two years ago, from Information and Public Relations department.

The auditorium was constructed three decades ago with an aim to encourage stage plays, playlets and other cultural programmes in the cultural capital of the state with nominal rents. Because of the increased rents, many organisers have not been showing interest to conduct their programmes in the auditorium. Meanwhile, many organisations have been planning to protest the attitude of the RMC in this regard.

According to noted stage artiste M Janakinadh, the RMC was collecting an amount of Rs 20,000 with air-condition facility, Rs 15,000 without air-condition, along with Rs 2,000 as maintenance fee and electricity charges.

He demanded that the RMC reduce the rentals immediately to encourage stage plays.He also advised the RMC to give two small halls freely for rehearsals. It has been the only auditorium in the state with a seating capacity of 1,300, he averred. 

Kala Gowthami president BVS Murthi, said there was no place to writers to meet at least once in a month. He demanded that the RMC allot place in SVAKK to their meetings once in a month for some time.

Rayudu Events owner Rayudu Chandra Kumar said many were conducting programmes in Vikram Hall, Anam Rotary Hall etc where there was dearth of necessary facilities. “What is the need to enhance the rents posing problems to many organisations,” he questioned.
All the organisations decided to take the issue to the notice of state government to retain the name of cultural capital of the state, he added.