Priority to theatre, museum development at Kondajji: Minister Basavanthappa

Minister for Muzrai, Fisheries, Ports and Inland Water Transport K.S. Basavanthapppa along with Prabha Mallikarjun, MP, performing bhoomi puja for the professional theatre Rangayana complex and theatre museum at Kondajji in Davangere district on Friday (September 4). | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT The government will extend support for the development of theatre and the welfare of theatre artistes in Davangere district and facilitate the establishment of a Rangayana and theatre museum at Kondajji, Minister for Muzrai, Fisheries, Ports and Inland Water Transport K.S. Basavanthapppa said on Friday (September 4).Speaking after performing the bhoomi puja and laying the foundation stone for a professional theatre Rangayana complex and theatre museum at Kondajji in Davangere district, Mr. Basavanthappa said the district had made a significant contribution to theatre and the arts.Traditional theatre in rural areas was declining owing to the growing popularity of orchestra and DJ culture, he said. The government would encourage theatre centres to revive traditional forms of theatre. A 10-acre complex comprising a museum for theatre artistes, an auditorium, theatre and an open-air stage proposed at a cost of ₹10 crore would be built; ₹3 crore has already been sanctioned and ₹1 crore released. The remaining funds would be released in phases, Mr. Basavanthappa said.Davangere has provided a platform for several eminent artistes, including Dr. Rajkumar, Master Hirannaiah and Chindodi Leela, and supported thousands of theatre artistes, he said.The Minister also promised that steps would be taken to install a statue of Kondajji Basappa, a pioneer of the Scouts and Guides movement, at Kondajji Circle, and establish a museum showcasing his life and contributions.The old fish seed rearing centre at Kondajji would be modernised and developed into a fish seed production centre, while connecting roads would be upgraded. Additional funds would also be sought for the renovation of Muzrai and private temples in the district, he said.Prabha Mallikarjun, MP, said a dedicated platform was needed to address the financial and healthcare insecurity faced by professional theatre artistes and their families in the unorganised sector.She said theatre, Scouts and Guides, and NCC activities could help students develop leadership skills. Summer theatre camps, competitions and training programmes would be organised for government school students.Dr. Mallikarjun said efforts would be made to secure Central funds for the cultural sector. She also announced MPLADS allocations of ₹55 lakh and ₹70 lakh in two phases for a connecting road to the Abdul Kalam School and Police Public School in Harihar. Steps would be taken to fill Kondajji lake through a pipeline from the Tungabhadra river, she said. Published - September 04, 2026 08:08 pm IST