‘Ousted’ arts council duo confronts govt

Sanjeev Singh Bariana

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 4

Crying foul over their “unceremonious removal” from the posts of chairperson and vice chairperson of the Punjab Kala Parishad (arts council), Satinder Satti and Surinder Singh Virdi have dubbed the state government’s move unconstitutional.

The Congress government recently nominated noted poet Surjit Patar and theatre veteran Neelam Mansingh Chaudhary as council members. Tourism and Culture Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu had visited Patar’s house in Ludhiana on August 22 to hand over a letter confirming his appointment as chairperson. However, the letter was later withdrawn amid an uproar over alleged bypassing of rules.

Satti, who had been named chairperson by then SAD-BJP government in September last year, said she would address a press conference after the council’s general body meeting on Thursday.

Virdi said his ouster was inappropriate and distasteful. “As per the council’s constitution, the tenure of the vice chairperson has to be co-terminus with the council’s term, unless the incumbent resigns. There is no provision of removal during the term,” he added.

The constitution, however, specifies that the chairperson can be removed by the government before the council’s term ends.

Council secretary Dr Lakhwinder Johal said: “It’s an encouraging sign that Surjit Patar and Neelam Mansingh have been handed the parishad’s reins, but the government acted hastily in replacing the top brass.”

Talking to The Tribune, Sidhu said “It’s the government prerogative to nominate members of the arts council. We are making our group bigger. Our team will include at least 100 leading lights from various fields.”

He claimed that the changes at the top had been duly communicated to all concerned. “We have not ousted anybody from the council. Satti has been told that we will look forward to her cooperation and expertise, particularly in handling projects concerning the youth and women. Virdi’s participation will also be sought,” the minister said.

The Parishad’s chairperson, vice chairperson and the secretary are elected by its general body, which has 29 members, including the presidents of Punjab Sahitya Akademi, Punjab Lalit Kala Akademi and Punjab Sangeet Natak Akademi; Secretary (Finance); Secretary (Education); Secretary (Cultural Affairs); Vice Chancellors of Panjab University, Punjabi University, Punjab Agricultural University and Guru Nanak Dev University; six members from societies/organisations recognised by the parishad; and six distinguished personalities in literature, fine arts, culture, performing arts and music.