Kathak artistes cry foul in centre head selection process

LUCKNOW: Several Kathak artistes protested outside Sangeet Natak Akademi on Thursday alleging anomalies in selection procedure for the appointment of director at Kathak Kendra.
On Thursday morning, the candidates were screened for the director's post at the akademi. Out of nearly 40 applicants, only two - Renu Srivastava and Surbhi Shukla - were called.The artistes alleged that the selection committee rejected applications of many talented candidates and also alleged that the committee was favouring a particular candidate.
"The procedure is not transparent and so I have withdrawn my name from the screening," said Surbhi Shukla, one of the candidates called for screening. After Shukla's withdrawal, Renu Srivastava remains the sole claimant to the director's post.
But as per the Supreme Court guidelines, screening of a single candidate cannot be held for the post of director, said Surbhi Singh Tandon, a protester.
Another protester, Surendra Sehkia said though he meets the criteria required for the post, his application form was rejected. Alleging anomalies in the selection procedure, he said as per the constitution of Sangeet Natak Akademi, the process should take place in the presence of chairperson of the akademi.
Naved Siddiqui, chairman of the academy, was not included in the selection committee. The selection committee comprising six members was set up by the culture directorate. Siddiqui, when contacted, said "Though I am chairperson of the academy, I was not made part of the selection committee. I came to know about the screening date and time but only through the protestors."
Secretary, culture department, Sanjeev Saran, was not available for comment despite several attempts.