New Delhi, Feb 4 (PTI): A parliamentary committee has recommended that national cultural institutions, such as the Sahitya Akademi, obtain explicit consent from recipients before conferring awards to prevent individuals from returning them as a form of political protest, which the panel deemed "disgraceful" to the country.
In a report presented in Parliament on Monday, the committee highlighted that instances of awardees returning their honors undermine the prestige of the awards and diminish the achievements of other recipients. The report, titled "Action Taken by the Government on the Recommendations/Observations of the Committee Contained in Its 351st Report on the Subject, 'Functioning of National Akademis and Other Cultural Institutions'", emphasizes the need for measures to uphold the dignity of such recognitions.
The committee specifically pointed to cases where recipients of awards from cultural bodies, such as the Sahitya Akademi Awards, have returned their honors in protest against political issues. The report stressed that these Akademis are "apolitical organizations" and should remain free from political influences.
"A system may be put in place where an undertaking is taken from the proposed awardee citing acceptance of the award and that the awardees cannot dishonor the award at any point in time in the future. Awards may not be given without such an undertaking," the report stated.
Additionally, the panel recommended the inclusion of a non-disclosure clause in the commitment document to maintain the confidentiality of the selection process. The report also proposed that individuals who return awards should be disqualified from receiving such honors in the future.
In response, the committee suggested that the ministry explore alternative measures to prevent similar issues in the future, including monitoring artists who have returned awards but remain affiliated with the Akademi. The panel also questioned why such individuals were re-engaged by the Akademis after having "insulted" them by returning their awards.
Another member echoed this sentiment, stating that returning awards is merely a form of protest and that instead of penalizing artists, the government should address the issues that prompted such protests. The dissenters also suggested that Akademis and other cultural institutions should continue engaging with these artists rather than alienating them.
The Ministry of Culture responded that autonomous cultural bodies are already encouraged to secure CSR funding, along with financial support from other government and non-government sources. An official Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is being issued to guide institutions in securing such funds.
The recommendations mark a significant attempt to preserve the sanctity of national awards while fostering greater financial support for cultural preservation. However, the debate over balancing artistic freedom with national prestige remains a contentious issue.
In a report presented in Parliament on Monday, the committee highlighted that instances of awardees returning their honors undermine the prestige of the awards and diminish the achievements of other recipients. The report, titled "Action Taken by the Government on the Recommendations/Observations of the Committee Contained in Its 351st Report on the Subject, 'Functioning of National Akademis and Other Cultural Institutions'", emphasizes the need for measures to uphold the dignity of such recognitions.
The committee specifically pointed to cases where recipients of awards from cultural bodies, such as the Sahitya Akademi Awards, have returned their honors in protest against political issues. The report stressed that these Akademis are "apolitical organizations" and should remain free from political influences.
Proposal for Mandatory Consent and Non-Disclosure Clauses
To address the issue, the panel proposed that all award recipients provide prior written consent before accepting the honor, ensuring they do not later return it as a form of protest. The committee also suggested implementing a formal undertaking process where nominees confirm their acceptance in advance."A system may be put in place where an undertaking is taken from the proposed awardee citing acceptance of the award and that the awardees cannot dishonor the award at any point in time in the future. Awards may not be given without such an undertaking," the report stated.
Additionally, the panel recommended the inclusion of a non-disclosure clause in the commitment document to maintain the confidentiality of the selection process. The report also proposed that individuals who return awards should be disqualified from receiving such honors in the future.
Ministry of Culture's Response
The Ministry of Culture acknowledged the committee’s concerns and expressed a desire to "avoid controversies in all regards." However, the ministry pointed out that requiring a pre-award commitment could compromise the confidentiality of the selection process. It also raised concerns over the legal enforceability of such declarations.In response, the committee suggested that the ministry explore alternative measures to prevent similar issues in the future, including monitoring artists who have returned awards but remain affiliated with the Akademi. The panel also questioned why such individuals were re-engaged by the Akademis after having "insulted" them by returning their awards.
Dissenting Views Within the Panel
While the majority of the panel supported the proposal, a dissenting member argued against restricting the right to return awards, citing constitutional freedoms. "India is a democratic country, and our Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and expression, including the right to protest in any form," the member stated.Another member echoed this sentiment, stating that returning awards is merely a form of protest and that instead of penalizing artists, the government should address the issues that prompted such protests. The dissenters also suggested that Akademis and other cultural institutions should continue engaging with these artists rather than alienating them.
Exploring CSR Funding for Cultural Development
Beyond award-related concerns, the committee also recommended that national cultural institutions seek funding through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives for the protection of national heritage, art, and culture. This includes the restoration of historic sites and artwork. The panel suggested that a portion of CSR funds should be "mandatorily earmarked" for the promotion of culture and cultural institutions, potentially requiring legislative amendments.The Ministry of Culture responded that autonomous cultural bodies are already encouraged to secure CSR funding, along with financial support from other government and non-government sources. An official Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is being issued to guide institutions in securing such funds.
The recommendations mark a significant attempt to preserve the sanctity of national awards while fostering greater financial support for cultural preservation. However, the debate over balancing artistic freedom with national prestige remains a contentious issue.
