Indefinite stir by akademi staff

BHUBANESWAR: The four akademis of the state for the promotion of art and literature, including Lalit Kala Akademi, Sahitya Akademi, Sangeet Natak Akademi and Urdu Akademi, which have almost become non-functional in the absence of presidents, are now plunged into deep crisis. The employees have gone on an indefinite stir from Tuesday.
About 50 agitating employees of the akademis have been demanding a single administrative officer for the four institutes along with the implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission and regularization of their service conditions.They also alleged that since the key posts of president and vice-president are lying vacant for long, the akademis have moved away from their main objective.
In fact, frustrated over the way the government is handling its apex bodies of art and literature, sand artist Sudarshan Pattanaik resigned from the executive board of the Orissa Lalit Kala Academy last month. The government's apathy to promote art and artists has dismayed many in the creative community.
"It is not only artists and writers who are being neglected but the rich culture of the state is being affected. Since there are no official heads, the akademis are being run at the will of some people," complained an agitating employee.
President of the Akademi Employees Association, Laxmikant Palit, said, "When we went on strike in November last year, the government assured us a committee would be formed to look into the affairs of the akademis. But even after a year nothing has happened. We will continue our strike till our demands are met."
Only two days back, the government appointed two presidents: Durga Prasad Das for the Orissa Lalit Kala Akademi and Sikandar Alam for the Orissa Sangeet Natak Akademi. But both are above 65 and this violates official rules. "Earlier the appointment of a president was cancelled because he was above 65. It's strange how the government has appointed these persons who are above 65," wondered an employee.