Cannot obtain undertaking from award winners: government
The Union Culture Ministry has stated that requiring writers to sign an undertaking not to return awards would compromise the confidentiality of the selection process. This response follows a recommendation from a Parliamentary Committee suggesting such undertakings to prevent political protests. The Ministry acknowledged the committee's concerns but emphasized the potential legal uncertainties and confidentiality issues involved.
- ▪The Union Culture Ministry opposes obtaining signed undertakings from award winners to maintain confidentiality.
- ▪A Parliamentary Committee suggested that writers commit not to return awards for political reasons before being shortlisted.
- ▪The Ministry noted that 39 writers returned their Sahitya Akademi awards in 2015 as a protest against political issues.
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The Union Culture Ministry has said that obtaining a signed undertaking from writers prior to award announcement that they would not return the honour for any reason, including political protests, would compromise the confidentiality of the selection process.It also expressed doubts before a Parliamentary Committee over the legal enforceability of such an undertaking. Nayantara Sahgal protests Dadri lynching, returns Akademi awardThe Ministry’s response came following the reiteration of a suggestion by the Department Related Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture that an undertaking should be taken beforehand from shortlisted candidates for Sahitya Akademi awards that they would not return the awards for “political reasons”.The panel had made the recommendation in 2023 and…
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