The Hindu : Karnataka News : Confusion over fate of academies?

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Wednesday, Oct 10, 2007
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Karnataka

Karnataka

Confusion over fate of academies?

K.N. Venkatasubba Rao

BANGALORE: The chairpersons of the 11 Government-run academies, including the Kannada Development Authority and Kannada Book Authority, are in a state of confusion over whether they are expected to tender their resignations voluntarily on moral grounds as they were all appointed by the Government of the day.

Sources in these academies told The Hindu here on Tuesday that the chairpersons would not like to quit as they are only heading autonomous bodies. Now that H.D. Kumaraswamy has himself resigned, the chairpersons are confused on whether they should necessarily follow suit. However, they have left it to the discretion of the Governor.

Members of Sahitya, Nataka, Lalitakala, Shilpa, Sangeetha-Nritya, Urdu, Kodava, Konkani, Tulu, Janapada-Yakshagana and Media academies were appointed in the early part of 2005 while members of Kannada Book Authority and Kannada Development Authority were appointed in 2004 and 2006, respectively.

The chairpersons of all the academies are entitled to a monthly honorarium of Rs. 5,000, a car when required or rail fair in A/C class, telephone charges and other allowances.

Holding coveted posts in academies has its own political, cultural and administrative importance considering the range of public interaction, clout and publicity the Department of Kannada and Culture commands.

The department stands second to the Chief Minister’s office in attracting media coverage.

Many times the Minister for Kannada Culture, the Secretary and the Director of the Kannada and Culture and the chairpersons of the respective academies gain more publicity.

The KDA Chairperson in the rank of a Cabinet Minister enjoys many perks. The chairman is also entitled to an annual “sumptuary” allowance of Rs. 75,000.

In 2005, though the Janata Dal (Secular) and BJP coalition Government expected some chairpersons to resign on their own as they were appointed by the Congress, some chairpersons concerned maintained silence for obvious reasons.

All activities of cultural bodies had lost their momentum and direction after the Government appointed a Minister for Kannada and Culture towards the end of 2006, owing to apolitical compulsion than conviction.

The suspension of the popular “Janapada Jaatre” was a classic example in that context.

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