New Dehi: After Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial, the Narendra Modi government on Thursday revamped the management at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA). Veteran Journalist Ram Bahadur Rai will now be heading the organisation.
Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma dissolved the board at the IGNCA and appointed a new 20-member board of trustees. Rai, former news editor of Hindi daily Jansatta, has replaced Chinmaya Gharekhan.
The trust comprises 19 other members including classical dancer Sonal Mansingh, lyricist Prasoon Joshi, artist Vasudeo Kamath and Union Culture Ministry Secretary. The Ministry has also appointed Dr Sushmita Pandey, head of School of Studies in Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology in Ujjain's Vikram University, as chairman of National Monument Authority.
The government has defended its decision saying it has been done in public interest. "Ram Bahadur is a well known journalist and deserving as well. Such people will increase the fame of the institute. Our government will bring all changes as it had come with the intention of bringing changes," said Mahesh Sharma.
The IGNCA was launched on November 19, 1985 by former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi in the memory of former prime minister Indira Gandhi. It was established in 1987 as a centre for research, academic pursuit and dissemination in the field of the arts.
The government is likely to face tough questions by the Opposition as it is not the first time that management has been changed of a prime institution.
- Y Sudershan Rao was appointed chairperson of Indian Council of Historical Research.
- After taking charge, HRD Minister Smriti Irani wanted to include ancient texts in school syllabus.
- Kendriya Vidyalaya replaced German with Sanskrit and said decision has been made in national interest.
- Smriti Irani was accused of stealing Christmas and celebrating 'Good Governance Day' instead.
- Then Censor Board chief Leela Samson quit after 'Messenger of God' was cleared for release.
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