'Shah Jahan didn't invite quotations when building Taj Mahal': Goa Minister counters GFP MLA's norm violation charge

Panaji: Goa Minister Govind Gaude on Wednesday drew a parallel between Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and the state government as he backed a recent decision taken by the administration. The remarks were offered as a defense of sorts after GFP MLA Vijai Sardesai alleged that certain procedures were bypassed by the Art and Culture Department while allotting a Rs 49 crore work order to renovate the Kala Academy building in the state capital.

"Taj Mahal is ever lasting and beautiful because Shah Jahan did not ask for quotation to construct it in Agra. My esteemed colleague must have certainly visited the Taj Mahal in Agra. Its construction began in 1632 and completed in 1653. But even today it looks beautiful and everlasting. Why do you think it is so? Because Shah Jahan didn't invite quotations when building the Taj Mahal and for 390 years it remains as it was," he opined.

Sardesai meanwhile has demanded a probe into the project.

The remarks were made during the ongoing monsoon session of the state Legislative Assembly. Sardesai had alleged that the department had given the work of renovation to Techton Buildcons Private Limited by violating the Central Public Works Department's manual. The GFP chief claimed that no tender was floated for the restoration work.

Sardesai also said that the 'estimate' of the restoration work ran for only of 'one single page', to which Gaude took objection and said that the former is misguiding the people of Goa. Sardesai said that every thing was done very quickly wherein the contractor (from another state) sent acceptance on the same day the work order was sent to him.

The Kala Academy had been designed by legendary architect Charles Correa.