Panel calls for uniformity in tenure, the selection process of heads of various academies

Panel calls for uniformity in tenure, the selection process of heads of various academies

Subject :Polity

Section: National body

Context

• A Parliamentary Standing Committee’s (Department Related Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture) recommendations for uniformity in tenures and selection processes for heads and governing bodies of autonomous institutions under the Ministry of Culture.

Current Discrepancies

• Chairman of Sahitya Akademi is currently elected, while the appointment process for other institute heads and governing bodies varies.
• Varied terms of office, e.g., 3 years for Lalit Kala Akademi, 10 years for Kalakshetra Foundation.
• Lack of fixed guidelines for Governing Council membership, meetings, etc.
• Absence of people’s representatives in the Governing Council of the Akademis.
• The presence of regional centres of National Akademis across states is uneven.
• The Committee observed that a significant proportion of posts across National Akademis remain vacant.
• Lack of an integrated promotion of arts and culture by the National Akademis.

Recommendations

• Government to formulate a policy emphasising uniformity among Akademis, covering:
  • Tenure of chairman or resident
  • Representation and election of the general council
  • Minimum number of annual meetings
• Legislation amendment suggested if needed to ensure uniformity.
• Inter-Akademi co-operation via 
  • establishing formal channels of communication,
  • sharing best practices and resources,
  • initiation of joint research projects,
  • exchange programmes, and
  • joint application for funding.
• Committee emphasizes systematic and proactive approaches to governance.
• Focus on enhancing transparency, accountability, ethical conduct, and integrity within these institutions.
• Inclusion of MPs
  • Suggestion to include one Member of Parliament on the Governing Board of each Institution.
  • Drawing inspiration from models like All India Institute of Medical Sciences.
  • MPs would provide assistance, contribute ground reports, and enhance the working of Akademis.

National Akademis

National Akademis are autonomous bodies instituted to promote various art forms and cultures. They operate under the administrative supervision of the Ministry of Culture. 

They are: