Old DCE Office, new location for films?

BANGALORE: An heritage building on Sheshadri Road which was once the head quarters of the Department of Collegiate Education (DCE) has now become a location for film shooting.The New Indian Express, on June 6, had reported how  various government departments were eyeing this heritage building. Finally, the State Election Commission decided to shift its office to this building.Sources from DCE said that their staffers were told to step out of the building and were moved to the cellar of M S Building in the first week of September.They were vacated from the building stating that Election Commission would renovate the building before shifting. So far, the renovation work has not yet been started. “With no security, the French window panes, glasses, wood and other materials have been stolen,” sources said.Also, on Tuesday,  a Kannada movie was being shot inside the building premises. Film Director Indrajit Lankesh confirmed to Express that they shot some scenes for his new movie.“It is unfortunate that the place which was like a temple of education has now become a location for shooting films,” the sources said.The sources also claimed that the Election Commission was not interested to occupy the space and the DCE was planning to move back. However, when contacted K R Shashidhar, commissioner of DCE, said that they have a proposal to move back to the same premises. But not to that building. “There is a space next to the building and we are asking to construct a new building for us there,” he clarified.It can be recalled that when H D Kumaraswamy was the Chief Minister and H D Revanna was PWD Minister, foundation stone was laid at the same place to construct a five-storey building to house all offices of the DCE. Kumaraswamy had even announced that the government would release Rs 5 crore for the purpose. So far, nothing has been done.When contacted, Higher Education Minister Dr V S Acharya  just said that it has been given to the State Election Commission.“We cannot take any responsibility for the shooting inside the premises,” the education minister said.