Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday inspected the restoration work of erstwhile Aguada Jail, which is sought to be converted into a museum, and assured that the renovated jail premises will not be handed to any private entity.
Speaking to the media persons, Chief Minister Sawant said: “We are not going to give the Aguda jail to anyone. And that is final. Some persons have the habit of making unsubstantiated allegations. People should not fail to their misleading talks.”
Pramod Sawant also appreciated the beautification work of the Aguada jail and said that the jail will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Inspected the work of beautification of Aguada Jail Complex sanctioned by the Ministry of Tourism under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme. pic.twitter.com/XWV4K1yl2f
The restoration work of the jail is being undertaken through the central government funds under the Swadesh Darshan scheme.
Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Babu Ajgaonkar and Ports Minister Michael Lobo had also accompanied the Chief Minister to inspect Aguada Jail.
Tourism Minister Babu Azgaonkar said that the project is only given to a private party for maintenance. He said that the jail is a historic monument as freedom fighters were imprisoned there and the premises should be maintained for the future generation.
Once completely restored, the Aguada Jail will showcase Goa’s freedom struggle and Goan artefacts. The central jail was constructed during the Portuguese era and has been shut since 2015.