NEZCC - North East Zone Cultural Centre

The Annual Combined Executive Board & Governing Body meeting of the NEZCC was held on November 21, 2007 in the Auditorium of NEZCC Shilpgram, Guwahati. Shri K. Sankaranarayanan, His Excellency the Governor of Nagaland & Chairman, NEZCC chaired the meeting.

At the outset, Smt. V. Hekali Zhimomi, IAS, Director, NEZCC welcomed the Governor of Nagaland & Chairman, NEZCC. The Director, stated that this is the first Executive Board & Governing Body meeting to be chaired by His Excellency after assuming office of the Governor of Nagaland and Chairman, NEZCC. The Director also welcomed the Hon’ble Minister for Cultural Affairs & Heritage, Sikkim, Commissioners & Secretaries of Cultural Departments of member States and members present. The Director thanked the members for making it convenient to attend the meeting. Thereafter, His Excellency the Governor of Nagaland & Chairman, NEZCC addressed the meeting.

During his address, the Chairman called upon the member States for sincere efforts together to help NEZCC to conceive more meaningful programmes for the upliftment of the people of the region. He also stressed upon for improvement of infrastructure of the Centre and to invest in assets that will generate income for the Centre and also expects the member States to take more responsibility in organizing the programmes. While congratulating the Centre for successfully organizing the entire approved programme during the last financial year 2006 – 2007, he also reiterated the need to change the perception of the arts and crafts of the region and to work relentlessly towards promoting the arts and artistes of the region. His Excellency, who is also the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, informed the members that the Government of Arunachal Pradesh has agreed to sanction their contribution to the Corpus Fund. The text of the Chairman’s speech is appended at Annexure II.

Thereafter, Shri G.M. Gurung, Hon’ble Minister for Cultural Affairs & Heritage, Sikkim addressed the meeting, Hon’ble Minister conveyed his thanks for various programmess organized in Sikkim especially the Namchi Mahostav at South Sikkim, which is held annually. He requested that artistes from Sikkim be included in the in Lok Tarang – Republic Day Folk Dance Festival. He also stressed the need to give international exposure to the artistes of Sikkim in collaboration with ICCR and the ministry of Tourism, Government of India.

Thereafter, the agendas for the meeting were taken up for discussion;

1. CONFIRMATION OF THE MINUTES OF THE LAST EXECUTIVE BOARD/GOVERNING BODY MEETING HELD ON NOVEMBER 10, 2006

The minutes were thoroughly discussed and confirmed.

2. RATIFICATION OF SUB - COMMITTEES MEETING MINUTES:

The following minutes of Sub – Committee meetings were discussed.

(i) Finance Committee meeting held on May 23, 2007

(ii) Programme Committee meeting held on October 12, 2007

Shri Y.D. Thongchi, IAS, Secretary, Cultural Affairs, Arunachal Pradesh observed that payments norms fixed for Choral Group above 20 (twenty) artistes was very less. The Director explained that this category was not separately recognized by the Ministry of Culture but due to their popularity and acceptance as part of the culture of the NE region, due recognition was being accorded by the Centre. She also stated that the performance rate did not include the TA/DA allowances.

Shri Arun Sharma member from Assam sought information as to the selection procedure adopted for selection of programmes by the State Governments. He suggested constitution of Advisory Committee for formulation and finalization of programmes at the State level. He requested assistance from NEZCC for the Bishnu Prasad Rabha Centenary celebrations scheduled to be held in 2008. He also wanted to know about the implementation of decisions taken in the Shilpgram Advisory Committee on publicity of Shilpgram. The Director replied that programme proposals are finalized by the respective member States at their level and conveyed to NEZCC. She also stated that any proposal should be routed through the respective State Governments as has been the practice earlier. The Director also stated that the suggestions of the Advisory Committee had been taken up and that hoardings had been placed in the Airport and Railway Station to attract visitors to the Shilpgram. A proposal for fund for publicity of Shilpgram had also been submitted to the Government of India but so far no sanction has been received.

Dr. Kh. Sarojini Devi, Director, Art & Culture, Manipur stated that the State Government of Manipur has already constituted a State level Advisory Committee which included members of the Programme Committee of the NEZCC. She suggested that other member States could do the same.

Shri N. C. Sinha, Commissioner & Secretary, ICAT, Tripura requested the Hon’ble Chairman to include 3 (three) additional programmes for Tripura during 2008 – 2009 in addition to the already approved programmes. The Director explained the financial position and stated that the same could be taken up subject to release of additional funds by the Government of India under the NCEP.

Shri K. T. Chankapa, IAS, Secretary, Cultural Affairs & Heritage, Sikkim wanted to make changes in the programmes submitted to the Centre while assuring that the changes would be made within the funds made available for Sikkim which was agreed to. Shri G. S. Lama from Sikkim emphasized the need to focus on the younger generation and the need to formulate special programmes for them. He also stressed the need to include cultural aspects in the school curriculum to create awareness about culture at the school level. He suggested the inclusion of a youth awareness programmes every year for the young generation to create awareness about their culture. . Shri Lama also pointed out the need to showcase a wide variety of craft items and handloom products in the craft stalls at Shilpgram. He was of the view that the primary aim should not be that of making money but the showcasing of traditional handicrafts and culture of the North East. The Director suggested that any such programme proposal could be included in the overall budget of Sikkim. The Director also assured that Shilpgram would function to provide twin opportunities of showcasing the culture as well as marketing the products of the artisans of the Northeast.

Dr. P. Lorin from Nagaland said that the NEZCC was a well coordinated organization doing tremendous work in the filed of culture. He congratulated the present Director for her able leadership. He also urged the Centre to spread its activities to the educational institutions at the School/College level to showcase our rich culture to the student’s community. He wanted to know if the Centre was taking up specific programmes for educational institutions and for the student communities. The Director mentioned that the Centre was working on a project of promoting “Cultural Clubs “in schools which would be finalized shortly.

Shri G.M. Gurung, Hon’ble Minister for Cultural Affairs & Heritage, Sikkim stated that three Young Talents from Sikkim had already been awarded under Young Talented Scheme and pointed out that the Centre should broaden the field/disciplines under which such young talents can be recognized. The Director informed that the Young Talent Award Scheme was not restricted to handicraft, painting and folksongs alone but to all forms of folk and traditional art.

Shri P. Bharat Singh, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary, Art & Culture, Manipur pointed out that no programme was included for Manipur against the Theatre Rejuvenation Scheme for the year 2008 – 2009. The Director, NEZCC responded that the same would be taken up by the Centre, provided that additional grants are released under the scheme from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.

Shri. Vanlalhuma, IFS, Secretary, Art & Culture, Mizoram pointed out that comparatively, the State of Mizoram had been allotted lesser number of programmes. The Director, NEZCC stated that the programmes had been finalized on the basis of programme proposals received from the Director, Art & Culture of the member States.

Shri S. Ghosh, Regional Secretary, Lalit Kala Akademi, Kolkata mentioned that Contemporary Arts also need to be promoted alongwith the Traditional Folk Arts. Lalit Kala Akademi is looking for collaborative Agencies/State Governments with 50% financial involvement for holding such programmes. He further mentioned that programme proposals submitted to various State Governments could not be mounted due to lack of response and financial constraints on the part of the State Governments. He pointed out that they had organized a programme was held at Kohima in collaboration with the Art & Culture Department, Government of Nagaland. He further suggested that if NEZCC could come up with financial assistance, programmes may be held in some of the member States. His Excellency the Chairman, NEZCC appreciated the proposal made by Shri S. Ghosh, Regional Secretary, Lalit Kala Akademi, Kolkata and stated that the NEZCC could take up collaborative programmes with the Akademi in future.

Thereafter, the minutes of the sub-committee were ratified.

3. ACTION TAKEN REPORT ON THE LAST EXECUTIVE BOARD/GOVERNING BODY MEETING MINUTES HELD ON NOVEMBER 10, 2006.

Action taken report on the minutes of the last Executive Board/Governing Body meeting minutes held on November 10, 2006 were thoroughly discussed and confirmed.

4. Review of Achievements for the Year 2006 – 2007 were placed in the Agenda for information of the members and the same were unanimously endorsed.

5. Status of programmes for the current year 2007 – 2008 and Review of Achievements upto 2007 were placed in the Agenda for information of members and the members expressed their happiness in the achievements so far made and the same was unanimously endorsed.

However, the Government of Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh were requested to conduct programmes in time so that grants from Ministry of Culture, Government of India could be made available in time.

6. STATUS OF SHILPGRAM

A detail note on the present status of Shilpgram and suggestions for streamlining the management of facilities at Shilpgram were placed in the meeting for deliberation. The Director, NEZCC pointed out the need to have more varieties and collection of authentic crafts items and handloom products in order to make the Complex and Stalls worth visiting. She further stated that since the member States were finding it difficult to find suitable entrepreneurs to run the craft and food stalls, the Centre would like to manage the allotment of stalls directly instead of asking the member States to do so. After a thorough discussion, it was agreed that the Centre would be allowed to directly manage the allotment of 2 (two) units from the craft stalls of the member States, except that of Manipur. It was also decided to handover the unoccupied Food stalls by the member States to the NEZCC for management. It was agreed that this arrangement would stand for an initial period of three years.

His Excellency the Chairman, NEZCC pointed out that the market has become increasingly competitive and that the member States should come up with innovative ideas to attract more buyers and visitors. He stated that if the State Governments were not willing to take initiatives to respond positively in utilizing the facilities at the Shilpgram Complex, there should be no hesitation in adopting an alternative arrangement to ensure the success of the Complex. He pointed out that important visitors like the Vice Chairman, Planning Commission of India had recently visited the Shilpgram and made some valuable suggestions. The Chairman said that the Director of the NEZCC should be assisted and requested the suggestions of the members from the members States. He further pointed out the need to empower the Director, NEZCC, so that the Centre is able to make the Shilpgram complex a viable and successful project.

The Director, NEZCC informed the house that the Vice Chairman, Planning Commission, Government of India had recently visited the Shilpgram and observed that since the tourism industry in Assam is still in a growing stage, the Complex would do well to cater to the local visitors. He had also suggested the possibility of inviting artisans from other regions of the country in order to attract more visitors to the Shilpgram. Taking into consideration the suggestions made, the NEZCC will be inviting artisans and craftsperson from other parts of the country to exhibit and sell their products at Shilpgram.

Shri K. K. Sema, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary, Art & Culture, Government of Nagaland said that the State Government can provide materials for the Pavilions but not manpower. He further stated that the assistance of the State Government of Assam should be taken in popularizing the facilities available at Shilpgram since Shilpgram is located in Assam. He suggested that the Centre tie up with the Departments of Culture and Tourism of the State government of Assam for programmes and events. He was of the view that efforts should be made in making Shilpgram a tourist spot for tour operators in close coordination with the Assam Tourism. Suggestion with regard to Management of Pavillions made by Shri K. K. Sema, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary, Nagaland was accepted.

The Director requested that the Centre be allowed to spend 10% of the income generated at Shilpgram for publicity and awareness of Shilpgram and the same was approved.

Shri Tashi Densapa, IAS, Director, National Institute of Tibetology, Sikkim appreciated the Shilpgram infrastructure and suggested that there should be more regular events. He further suggested organizing tourism related events during tourist seasons to attract visiting tourists to the Shilpgram.

7. DEVELOPMENT OF NEZCC COMPLEX

The Director, NEZCC informed the house that out of about 20 acres of NEZCC land the Centre has utilized only 7.5 acres land by constructing the existing buildings. The rest of the vacant land is covered by shrubs and jungle. Therefore, to avoid encroachment it is necessary to utilize the vacant area by developing infrastructures and assets that can generate revenue for the sustenance of the Centre. The NEZCC has already submitted Detailed Projects Reports (DPRs) on the following components to the Government of India vide letter No. NEZCC/Acctt – 93/2006 – 07/7968 dated 23^rd November and 19^th December 2006, which are already approved by the Executive Board & Governing Body.

(i) AMPHITHEATRE : Rs. 4,18,43,000.00

(ii) VIP GUEST HOUSE : Rs.1,08,16,700.00

(iii) DIRECTORS RESIDENCE : Rs. 35,33,000.00

However, the above proposals were once again being placed before the Executive Board & Governing Body for recommendations to the Government of India to consider fund allocation under any of the following schemes:

1. Financial assistance for setting up of multi-purpose cultural complexes under Ministry of Culture.

2. Projects/Schemes for development of infrastructure under Ministry of DONER.

The house also agreed that above proposals should be taken up with the NEC/DONER Ministry, if not considered by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.

Further, the Director informed the house that NEZCC will be receiving an interest income of Rs. 1.85 Crores (Approx.) during the current financial year out of its Corpus Fund investment and is expected to have some savings. Therefore, Director, NEZCC proposed to the house to consider taking up construction of Director’s Residence at an estimated cost of Rs.35.33 lacs, out of the saving on interest income of the Centre. The matter was discussed and approved.

Shri N. C. Sinha, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary, ICAT, Tripura suggested that more programmes could be taken up from the interest earnings which were noted. His Excellency the Chairman, NEZCC remarked that the future infrastructural requirements of the Centre has to be considered while keeping in view the need to increase activities of the Centre.

8. AMENDMENT OF CLAUSE 12 (III) OF MOA ON INDUCTION OF SIKKIM AS A MEMBER STATE OF NEZCC

Under Clause 12 (iii) of the Rules and Regulations of MoA – “Three representatives of the Executive Board” are nominated for composition of the Finance Committee. However, nomination under this Clause needs to be reviewed to make provision to include a member from Sikkim in the Finance Committee”.

In view of the above, amendment of Clause 12 (iii) of Rules and Regulations of MoA was approved as given below:

Clause 12 (iii): “Four representatives of the Executive Board”

9. STATUS OF MATCHING CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS THE CORPUS FUND AND CORPUS FUND POSITION

A detailed note showing position of Matching Contribution, Matching Share due from the member States and the detailed Corpus Fund position and expected interest income from the current financial year was placed in the meeting for information of members.

Shri Y. D. Thongchi, IAS, Secretary, Arunachal Pradesh informed the house that out of Matching Contribution of Rs.1.00 Crore, Rs.50.00 lakh will be released by the end of November 2007 by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh.

The Government of Meghalaya was requested to release the balance amount of Rs.70.00 lakh in a single installment. Shri Rilando Challam member from Meghalaya informed the house that they will take up the matter with the concerned Departments on their return. The house was informed on the bad investment of Rs.1.00 Crore with the Leafin India Limited and decision taken in the Finance Committee meeting held on 23.05.2007 to engage legal experts to take up the case and approved to pay either the fee or 2 to 3 % of the realized amount subject to realization of the amount from the Company.

10. RECONSTITUTION OF NEZCC BOARD MEMBERS

In pursuance of Clause 5 (c) of the Rules and Regulations of MoA of NEZCC which reads “Persons not appointed on ex-officio capacities shall hold office for a term of 3(three) years only and shall be eligible for re-nomination for another term” the term of the existing non – exofficio members of the Governing Body will expire on 13.06.2008. Accordingly, the constituent State Government has made nominations to fill up the vacancy. In accordance with the nominations received from the Member – States and Clause 5 of the Rules and regulations of the MoA, the following members will comprise the next term of the Governing Body w.e.f. 14.06.2008 the date of its reconstitutions. The reconstitution of Governing Body, Executive Board, Programme Committee and Finance Committee were approved by the Executive Board and Governing Body and the composition of different Boards/Committees are as follows:

GOVERNING BODY

CLAUSE 4 (i) – CHAIRMAN

1. His Excellency the Governor of Nagaland

MEMBERS

CLAUSE 4 (ii)

2. Minister for Culture or his/her Nominee of Govt. of India

CLAUSE 4 (iii) – Ministers for Culture of the Participating States

3. Minister for Cultural Affairs, Arunachal Pradesh.

4. Minister for Cultural Affairs, Govt. of Assam

5. Minister for Art & Culture, Manipur

6. Minister for Art & Culture, Govt. of Meghalaya

7. Minister for Art & Culture, Mizoram

8. Minister for Art & Culture, Govt. of Nagaland

9. Minister for Cultural Affairs, Govt. of Sikkim

10. Minister for ICAT, Tripura

CLAUSE 4 (iv)

11. Secretary, Department of Culture, Govt. of India or his/her representative not below the rank of Deputy Secretary

CLAUSE 4 (v) - Secretaries (Culture) of the Participating States

12. Secretary, Art & Culture, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh

13. Secretary, Cultural Affairs, Govt. of Assam

14. Secretary, Art & Culture, Govt. of Manipur

15. Secretary, Art & Culture, Govt. of Meghalaya

16. Secretary, Art & Culture, Govt. of Mizoram

17. Secretary, Art & Culture, Govt. of Nagaland

18. Secretary, Cultural Affairs, Govt. of Sikkim

19. Secretary, ICAT, Govt. of Tripura

20. CLAUSE 4 (vi) - Financial Adviser, Department of Culture, Govt. of India

CLAUSE 4(vii) - Three Chairmen of the Central Akademies

21. Chairman, Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi

22. Chairman, Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi

23. Chairman, Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi

CLAUSE 4 (viii) – All the Chairmen of the Art Councils of the Member – States or an eminent Art Personality from the Concerned State.

24. Shri. C. S. Jeinow, Director, Art & Culture, Arunachal Pradesh

25. Smt. Jabin Ghosh Dastidar, Assam

26. Dr. Kh. Sarojini Devi, Director, Art & Culture, Manipur

27. Dr. Ailynti Nongbri, Meghalaya

28. Smt. Boichhingpuii, Director, Art & Culture, Mizoram

29. Smt. Kevinino P. Meru, Director, Art & Culture, Govt. of Nagaland

30. Shri Pintso Tshering Bhutia, Sikkim

31. Shri Hirendra Sinha, Tripura

CLAUSE 4 (ix) - All the Chairmen of the three State Akademies of

Member - States or three eminent Art Personalities from the Concerned States.

32. Shri Chow Sujanta Mansai, Arunachal Pradesh

33. Shri Tony Koya, Arunachal Pradesh

34. Smt. Taba Yall Nabam, Arunachal Pradesh

35. Shri Krishnamurti Hazarika, Assam

36. Smt. Sharodi Saikia, Assam

37. Dr. Pradip Jyoti Mahanta, Assam

38. Shri R.K. Danisana Singh, Manipur

39. Ch. Premananda Roy, Manipur

40. Shri Saratchand Thiyam, Manipur

41. Dr. B. War, Meghalaya

42. Dr. Esther Syiem, Meghalaya

43. Shri Witting Mawsor, Meghalaya

44. Shri R.S. Rosangluaia, Mizoram

45. Shri Dr. O. Rosanga, Mizoram

46. Shri Rosiamliana Ralte, Mizoram

47. Shri Husazu Epao, Nagaland

48. Dr. Niky Kire, Nagaland

49. Shri Hokishe Yeptho, Nagaland

50. Shri G.S. Lama, Sikkim

51. Nomination awaited from Govt. of Sikkim

52. Nomination awaited from Govt. of Sikkim

53. Shri Madhusudhan Deb Barma, Tripura

54. Shri Baishampayan Chakraborty, Tripura

55. Shri Hemanta Jamatia, Tripura

CLAUSE 4 (x) _ Three eminent Personalities in various Art disciplines,

each from the Member- States.

56. Shri J. Siram, Arunachal Pradesh

57. Shri Hage D. Appa, Arunachal Pradesh

58. Shri Ashok Sonam, Arunachal Pradesh

59. Shri Ratna Ojah, Assam

60. Shri Arun Sarma, Assam

61. Dr. Pitambar Dev Goswami, Assam

62. Shri Poujairung Thaimei, Manipur

63. Dr. N. Tombi Singh, Manipur

64. Shri Yumnam Rajendra Singh, Manipur

65. Shri Pyndurlang Shabong, Meghalaya

66. Dr. A. K. Nongkynrih, Meghalaya

67. Shri T. Sawian, Meghalaya

68. Shri. Ngurbiaka, Mizoram

69. Dr. Rualkhuma Colney, Mizoram

70. Shri C. Lalduhawma, Mizoram

71. Shri Geoffry Yaden, Nagaland

72. Shri L. Among Phom, Nagaland

73. To be nominated, Nagaland

74. Mrs. Beena Rai, Sikkim

75. Mrs. R. Ongmu, Sikkim

76. Shri D. T. Bhutia, Sikkim

77. Shri Jogamaya Chakma, Tripura

78. Shri Bibhu Bhattarcharjee, Tripura

79. Shri Jagadish Deb Barma, Tripura

CLAUSE 4 (xi) – One Representative each from Archaeological

Survey of India, Anthropological Survey of India and National Archives.

80. Director, General, Archaeological Survey of India

81. Dr. B. F. Kulirani, Suptdg., Anthropologist (C) & Head Office, North East Regional Centre, Shillong

82. Director General, National Archives of India

CLAUSE 4 (xiii)

83. DIRECTOR – MEMBER – SECRETARY, NEZCC

EXECUTIVE BOARD

In pursuance of Clause 7(c) of the Rules and Regulations of MoA of NEZCC, which reads “the term of the Executive Board shall be for a period of 3(three) years only”, the term of the existing Executive Board will expire on 13.06.2008. Accordingly, the Constituent State Governments have made nomination to fill up the vacancies. In accordance with the nominations received from the Member- States and Clause 7 of the Rules and Regulations of the MoA the following members will comprise the next term of the Executive Board w.e.f 14.06.2008 for a period of 3(three) years.

CLAUSE 7 ( i) – CHAIRMAN

1. His Excellency the Governor of Nagaland

MEMBERS

CLAUSE 7 (ii) – Secretaries (Culture) of the State Governments of the Zone.

2. Secretary, Art & Culture, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh

3. Secretary, Cultural Affairs, Govt. of Assam

4. Secretary, Art & Culture, Govt. of Manipur

5. Secretary, Art & Culture, Govt. of Meghalaya

6. Secretary, Art & Culture, Govt. of Mizoram

7. Secretary, Art & Culture, Govt. of Nagaland

8. Secretary, Cultural Affairs, Govt. of Sikkim

9. Secretary, ICAT, Govt. of Tripura

CLAUSE 7 (iii) - Person nominated by the Concerned State Government

of the Zone under Clause 4 (viii)

10. Shri C. S. Jeinow, Director, Art & Culture, Arunachal Pradesh

11. Smt. Jabin Ghosh Dastidar, Assam

12. Dr. Kh. Sarojini Devi, Director, Art & Culture, Manipur

13. Dr. Ailynti Nongbri, Meghalaya

14. Smt. Boichhingpuii, Director, Art & Culture, Mizoram

15. Smt. Kevinino P. Meru, Director, Art & Culture, Nagaland

16. Shri Pintso Tshering Bhutia, Sikkim

17. Shri Hirendra Sinha, Tripura

CLAUSE 7 (iv) – Chairmen of the three Central Akademies

18. Chairman, Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi

19. Chairman, Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi

20. Chairman, Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi

CLAUSE 7 (v)

21. A Representative of the Department of Culture, Govt. of India not below the rank of Deputy Secretary.

CLAUSE 7 (vi) – 8 (eight) Nominees of the Governing Body from

amongst its Members one each from the Participating States.

22. Shri Tony Koya, Arunachal Pradesh

23. Shri Ratna Ojha, Assam

24. Shri R. K. Danisana Singh, Manipur

25. To be nominated, Meghalaya

26. To be nominated, Mizoram

27. Smt. Kevinino P. Meru, Nagaland

28. Nomination awaited from Govt. of Sikkim

29. Commissioner & Secretary, ICAT, Tripura

CLAUSE 7 (vii)

27. Financial Adviser, Department of Culture, Govt. of India

CLAUSE 7 (viii)

28. DIRECTOR – MEMBER – SECRETARY, NEZCC

PROGRAMME COMMITTEE

The term of the existing Programme Committee will expire on 26.07.2008. Accordingly, the Constituent State Governments have made nomination to fill up the vacancy. In accordance with the nominations received from the Member – State and Clause 10 of the Rules and Regulations of the MOA, the following members will comprise the next term of the Programme Committee w.e.f. July 27, 2008 for a period of 3(three) years.

CLAUSE 10 (i) – Persons nominated by the concerned State Govt.of the Zone under Clause 4 (viii)

1. Shri C. S. Jeinow, Director, Art & Culture, Pradesh Pradesh

2. Smt. Jabin Ghosh Dastidar, Assam

3. Dr. Kh. Sarojini Devi, Director, Art & Culture, Manipur

4. Dr. Ailynti Nongbri, Meghalaya

5. Smt. Boichhingpuii, Director, Art & Culture, Mizoram

6. Smt. Kevinino P. Meru, Director, Art & Culture, Nagaland

7. Shri Pintso Tshering Bhutia, Sikkim

8. Shri Hirendra Sinha, Tripura

CLAUSE 10 ( i- A)

9. A Representative of the Department of Culture, Govt. of India not below the rank of Deputy Secretary.

CLAUSE 10 (ii) – One Nominee each of the three Central Akademies

10. Nomination awaited from Sangeet Natak Akademi

11. Shri. Ramkumar Mukhopadhyay, Regional Secretary, Sahitya Akademi, Kolkata

12. Nomination awaited from Lalit Kala Akademi

CLAUSE 10 (iii) – Three Eminent Art Personalities from each State

to be nominated by Executive Board

13. Shri Changpa Nerbu, Arunachal Pradesh

14. Shri Moji Riba, Arunachal Pradesh

15. Shri Denjong Jugli, Arunachal Pradesh

16. Shri Narayan Dev Goswami, Assam

17. Shri Tapan Das, Assam

18. Dr. Dilip Ranjan Borthakur, Assam

19. Shri Ch. Premananda Roy, Manipur

20. Shri Yumnam Rajendra Singh, Manipur

21. Shri Bhudha Chingtham, Manipur

22. Shri E. Massar, Meghalaya

23. Smt. Miriam V. Marwein, Meghalaya

24. Miss. Sahana P. Marak, Meghalaya

25. Smt. Boichhingpuii, Mizoram

26. Shri Sangzela Tlau, Mizoram

27. Shri B. Sangkima, Mizoram

28. Shri Vevo Chakhesang, Nagaland

29. Shri Theja Meru, Nagaland

30. Shri Sitsathong Sangtam, Nagaland

31. Shri B. B. Rai, Sikkim

32. Mrs. Maiya Pradhan, Sikkim

33. Shri Namgyal Lepcha Dzongu, Sikkim

34. Shri Sankar Bose, Tripura

35. To be nominated (Tripura)

36. Shri Baishampayan Chakraborty, Tripura

CLAUSE 10 (iv)

37. Director – Member – Secretary

Chairman Programme Committee:

The Chairman of the Programme Committee shall be nominated by the Executive Board from amongst its members for a period of 3 (three) years. An Executive Board member from Arunachal Pradesh shall be nominated as the Chairman.

FINANCE COMMITTEE

The term of the existing Finance Committee expires on July 26, 2008. In accordance with Clause 12 of the Rules and Regulations of MOA of NEZCC, the Executive Board may constitute the Finance Committee for a period of 3 (three) years w.e.f. July 27, 2008 comprising the following category of members.

Clause 12 (i)

1. Financial Advisor, Department of Culture, Government of India.

Clause 12 ( i- A)

2. Representative of Department of Culture, Govt. of India.

Clause 12 (ii) - Three Representatives of the Governing Body of which

two should be eminent Art Personalities.

Following members are suggested

3. Shri. C. S. Jeinow, Director, Art & Culture, Arunachal Pradesh

4. Dr. N. Tombi Singh, Manipur

5. Shri C. Lalduhawma,, Mizoram

Clause 12 (iii) - Four Representatives of the Executive Board

Following members are suggested

6. Secretary, Cultural Affairs, Govt. of Assam

7. Secretary, Art & Culture, Govt. of Nagaland

8. Secretary, Cultural Affairs, Govt. of Sikkim

9. Secretary, ICAT, Govt. of Tripura

Clause 12 (v)

10. DIRECTOR – MEMBER- SECRETARY

Chairman Finance Committee

To have one representative from each of the Member – States in the Finance Committee. The Chairman can be nominated from the member State of Meghalaya.

The house was informed that some of the member States are yet to submit the list of new nominations. Therefore, the Director, NEZCC was authorized to accept the new nominations to the Governing Body, Executive Board, Finance Committee and Programme Committee as recommended by the member State Governments in conformity with the Rules & Regulations of the MoA of NEZCC.

It was also agreed upon that the Director would be allowed to accept nominations from those member States yet to submit their nominations for approval by the chairman, NEZCC on behalf of the Board.

11. INTRODUCTION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF VOLUNTARY RETIREMENT SCHEME FOR THE EMPLOYEES OF NEZCC

The Voluntary Retirement Scheme for the Employees of NEZCC was approved by the Finance Committee in its meeting dated 15.10.2003 and further ratified/approved in the Combined meeting of Executive Board, Governing Body, Finance Committee and Programme Committee on 06.11.2004. Thereafter, the proposal was submitted to the Department of Culture, Government of India for sanction of required grants as further decided by the Committees.

The proposal was again placed in the last Combined meeting of Executive Board/Governing Body held on 10.11.2006. It was approved by Executive Board/Governing Body and decided to submit the Voluntary Retirement Scheme for the Employees of NEZCC to the Ministry of Culture, Government of India for approval and financial support.

Accordingly, the proposal was submitted to Ministry of Culture, Government of India vide Office letter dated 05.03.2007. A reminder was also sent on 05.10.2007.

So far, no response has been received in this regard. As submitted earlier, introduction and implementation of the scheme is still considered essential to minimize the huge administrative expenditure incurred annually mainly on Pay & Allowances of the employees.

In view of the above, the Executive Board and Governing Body approved introduction and implementation of the Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) for employees of NEZCC as below:

1. Introduction and implementation of the Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) by the Centre with its own resources from the year 2008 – 2009 in a phase manner as approved by the Executive Board and Governing Body in its meeting held on 10.11.2006.

2. Constitution of a Sub - Committee for implementation of the Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS). The Sub – Committee will be constituted with the approval of Chairman, NEZCC.

It was also agreed that the Sub – Committee will be constituted with the approval of Chairman, NEZCC.

12. EMPLOYEES’ PROVIDENT FUNDS CONTRIBUTION

The pre-Revised Service rules of the NEZCC had a provision for pension benefits to the employees in terms with the pension pattern applicable to the employees of Government of Nagaland. The PF of the employees has been operated with the EPFO. The provision for pension pattern as per Govt. of Nagaland has been excluded in the Revised Service Rules and a proposal was submitted under Rule 13 of the Revised Service Rules for contribution towards the EPF on the basis of actual pay (including DP, DA and other retaining allowances) by the employer and the employee.

The combined meeting of the Executive Board and Governing Body held on 10^th November 2006 approved the Revised Service Rules with the observation that the financial implications on contribution to the EPF on the basis of the actual pay etc. should be worked out by a Committee for consideration of Rule 13. In this matter the Finance Committee meeting held on 23.05.07 entrusted the Commissioner & Secretary, Cultural Affairs, Government of Assam to recommend an expert to verify and review the proposal.

The Director, NEZCC informed the house that as per the decision taken in the Finance Committee meeting held on 23. 05. 2007, the report of the experts identified was not ready and therefore, this item was deferred to the next Executive Board and Governing Body meeting for a decision.

13. APPOINTMENT OF AUDITORS (CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT

The account of NEZCC for the years from 1999 – 2000 to 2006 – 2007 have been audited by M/s B. L. Purohit & Co., Chartered Accountants, Guwahati. The audit fee to the firm was paid @ Rs.10,000/- per annual accounts for the years 1999 – 2000 to 2004 – 2005 and Rs.15,000/- for the years 2005 – 2006 and 2006 – 2007 as approved by the Governing Body. The firm has rendered satisfactory service during the period.

The AG (Audit) Nagaland in their audit report observed that the NEZCC should adopt the common format of accounts approved by the Government of India for Central Autonomous Bodies. Therefore, it may be necessary to prepare the annual accounts on this format from 2007 – 2008.

M/s B. L. Purohit & Co., CAs informed that for preparation of financial guidelines involve lot of expert work and requested to fix their audit fee for the year 2007 – 2008 at Rs.50,000/- plus applicable Service Tax/TA/DA etc. The audit fee for 2006 – 20007 was Rs.15,000/- only.

Shri N.C. Sinha, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary, ICAT, Tripura suggested that it will be advisable for the NEZCC to appoint the new Chartered Accountants at the negotiated rate. After discussion, the Executive Board and Governing Body agreed to the appointment of new Chartered Accountants located at Dimapur at a negotiated lower rate than the rate quoted by the previous auditors.

14. RATIFICATION OF PROMOTION OF SHRI TALINOKCHA TO JOINT DIRECTOR

The post of Joint Director was lying vacant since 01.03.2003. Filling up of this post by promotion was considered necessary as there was a wide gap in the administrative set up of the Centre. Thus, a meeting of the Departmental Promotion Committee as constituted by the Executive Board and Governing Body during the last meeting dated 10.11.2006, was convened on 01.06.2007 with prior approval of His Excellency the Governor of Nagaland and Chairman, NEZCC.

The matter was taken up by the Departmental Promotion Committee for filling up of the post of Joint Director by promotion from amongst the 3 (three) Deputy Directors. The Committee after verification of Service Records and assessment of ACRs of the Officers for the last 7 (seven) years recommended Shri Talinokcha, the senior most among the 3 (three) Deputy Directors for promotion to the post of Joint Director.

Accordingly, Shri Talinokcha, Deputy Director was promoted to the post of Joint Director w.e.f. 05.06.2007 with due approval of His Excellency the Governor of Nagaland and Chairman, NEZCC. A copy of the minutes of the Departmental Promotion Committee meeting dated 01.06.2007 was enclosed for reference.

The Executive Board & Governing Body discussed the matter and ratified the promotion of Shri Talinokcha to the post of Joint Director, as required under Rule 7 of Schedule II of the Service Rules of NEZCC.

15. PROPOSAL FOR SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTED CASH

The NEZCC sustained a loss of Rs.4,38,177/- on account of misappropriation of cash in hand by the former Accounts Officer.

Shri Moatoshi Changkija, former Accounts Officer, was placed under suspension w.e.f. 05.09.2002. During his tenure as Accounts Officer he was also handling the cash. At the time of suspension he has not handed over the cash in hand to Accountant-cum-Cashier. Later, on verification a discrepancy of Rs.4,38,177/- was found in cash. Supplementary charges were framed against the delinquent Officer in addition to the charges framed by the Tribunal of Disciplinary Proceedings, Vigilance Commission, Nagaland. The enquiry against the delinquent Officer was conducted and as per the finding of the the Tribunal of Disciplinary Proceedings, Shri Moatoshi Changkija, was terminated from service w.e.f. 03.09.2005.

The loss sustained by the office is shown in the Books of Accounts as Disputed Cash, which needs an early settlement. To make good of the loss the Centre has with held an amount of Rs.2,22,010/- due to Shri Moatoshi Changkija being RoP Arrear. Since the Centre has already terminated the service of the delinquent Officer has no other sources to recover the loss. The matter was thoroughly discussed and decided as follows:

1. Attachment of Rs.2,22,010/- due to the delinquent Officer being RoP Arrear to recover the loss.

2. In order to recover the balance amount of Rs. 2,16,167/-, it was decided to obtain experts legal opinion for settlement of the matter. The Director NEZCC was asked to take up the matter with the EPF authorities for recovery of the amount from his EPF dues or with the State Government of Nagaland to implement any recovery procedures followed by the State Government.

16. ANNUAL REPORTS AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR 2006 – 2007

The Annual reports and Audited Accounts of the completed financial years approved by the Governing Body and Executive Board needs to submit to the Ministry of Culture, Government of India for laying on both the house of Parliament.


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