In an unprecedented move, the Culture Ministry has reduced the powers of the head of the Lalit Kala Academy, Nagdas, and banned him from taking any “administrative action”, including matters related to “recruitment, employment, transfer and disciplinary action”. and financial decisions” without consulting the Ministry.
Nagdas (64), a painter and print artist from Kerala, was appointed to the post on March 13 last year for a period of three years.
When I called him Indian ExpressMinistry officials said the order was sent “in view of some decisions taken by the Chairman of the Board of Directors.” Nagdas was not available for comment.
The ministry's January 8, 2024 order, addressed to Najdas, cites his failure to respond to a previous “complaint” and also alleges failure to comply with the ministry's “administrative directives.”
“In accordance with the right of the Central Government mentioned in Rule 19(1) of the LKA General Rules and Regulations, you are hereby directed not to take any administrative action including recruitment, hiring, transfer, disciplinary action and financial decisions without the approval of the Ministry,” the order said, signed by Suman Para, Undersecretary. Ministry of Culture.
According to the LKA constitution, all these matters are supposed to be managed by its president.
Request, reviewed by Indian ExpressHe says that it was issued with the approval of the Joint Secretary (Academies) in the Ministry.
“I was directed to refer to the Ministry’s letter dated 14/11/2023 under which the complaint was filed and directed to file a response and also abide by the LKA Constitution, but no response has reached me so far. It is also seen that other administrative directives of the Ministry have not been adhered to so far.
Nagdas succeeds Mumbai-based sculptor Uttam Bhasharni, who was appointed as LKA president in 2018 for a three-year term and was later given an extension.
According to Nagdas's profile on the LKA website, he had previously worked as a professor, dean and head of the graphics department at the College of Visual Arts, Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya in Khairagarh in Chhattisgarh. “He received National Diploma in Painting from College of Fine Arts, Trivandrum, Kerala in 1982 and Post Diploma in Graphic Arts from Viswabaharati University, Santiniketan, in 1984,” the statement said, adding that he has received several prestigious awards.
Late last year, under Nagdas's chairmanship, LKA presented two exhibitions – 'Instant Photography – Curated from a National Collection' and 'Afghan Journal' – while also announcing a mega art camp in Ayodhya in the run-up to the exhibition. Inauguration of Ram Temple to showcase “Philosophy and Human Side of Lord Ram”. However, according to sources, LKA was unable to organize the Ayodhya camp due to “funding issues”.
In 2017, the LKA was mired in controversy following repeated complaints about its work, and a report on missing artworks by renowned artist MF Hussain, after which its senior officers were sacked and an investigation ordered.
© Indian Express Private Limited
First uploaded on: 28-03-2024 at 04:00 IST
