A list of members who attended the meeting is appended at Annexure – I

At the outset, Smti V. Hekali Zhimomi, IAS, Director, NEZCC, welcomed Shri K. Sankaranarayanan, His Excellency the Governor of Nagaland and Chairman NEZCC, Shri G.M. Gurung, Hon’ble Minister for Cultural Affairs and Heritage, Sikkim, Shri A.K. Singh, Director, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India and Senior Officials from the member States of the NEZCC as well as the Regional Offices of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) and the Song & Drama Division, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting to the first meeting convened after the joining of the new Chairman.

Thereafter, the Chairman, NEZCC, addressed the meeting. The Chairman, in his introductory speech, stated that this was his first meeting in the NEZCC with the representatives of the member States after assuming Office on the 3^rd of February,2007. He stated that this special meeting had been convened primarily to interact with the Hon’ble Ministers and senior officials of the member States as the annual meetings would be convened only in October-November this year. He pointed out that with the cooperation of the member States, the financial position of the NEZCC had improved considerably and that with the continued cooperation and assistance of the member States, NEZCC should strive to become the best Zonal Centre in the Country. He stated that the good work done in the past should be carried on. He further emphasized that the future activities of the Centre should be aimed at expanding cultural activities in the Northeast for which an effective mechanism had to be evolved with the cooperation of all the member- States. The Chairman further said that all member- States should take a little more interest in the affairs of the NEZCC so that this Cultural Institution can improve. He pointed out the need for member- States to improve their level of participation in Shilpgram particularly in occupying the State Pavilions. He also emphasized the need for proper publicity of the Shilpgram Complex in order to attract more visitors/tourists into the Complex.

 Thereafter, Shri. G. M. Gurung, Hon’ble Minister for Cultural Affairs and Heritage, Sikkim addressed the meeting. He mentioned that though they were very busy with the financial year ending, they had made it a point to attend this important meeting to deliberate upon the cultural development of the Northeast. He stressed upon the need to bring out a publication in a book form on the Art & Culture of the member- States. He further stated that schemes such as the NCEP, Theatre Rejuvenation and Young Talent Awards were very important for preservation of the unique cultures of the member States. He pointed out that in Sikkim, there are 3 different ethnic groups and various different communities under these ethnic groups. He underlined the need for the Centre to assist the State in maintaining the cultural diversity of Sikkim. He also pointed out that in the Young Talent Artistes Award, particular focus should be laid on recognizing indigenous art forms. He also pointed out that artisans from his State were facing difficulties in finding accommodation when they were allotted stalls in Shilpgram and he suggested that the Centre and the Govt. of Assam should examine land allotment for building accommodation for artisans.

  Thereafter, the agenda was taken up.

1 (a)  Additional funds for completion of remaining works at Shilpgram and Maintenance Fund for Shilpgram

            The members were informed that the Centre had submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Culture, Government of India for release of  balance amount of Rs.54.16 lakhs for completion of Shilpgram Complex, furniture furnishings etc. Also an amount of Rs.22.71 lakhs was outstanding against Shilpgram recurring expenditure for the years 2005-07 & 2006-07 as per the commitment given by the Ministry of Culture representative in the Finance Committee meeting held on 28^th June, 2005 whereby it was committed that Rs.24.00 lacs would be given to the NEZCC annually under maintenance expenditure for the first two years after its inauguration. Shri. A.K. Singh, IFS, Director (ZCC), Ministry of Culture, Government of India informed the meeting that the Ministry of Culture would work out and try to help the Centre financially out of savings from the budget of the Ministry, if any, during the current financial year. He also proposed that the member- States of NEZCC could allocate small amount of funds for Shilpgram from their District Plan Fund. He pointed out that the Museums can avail assistance from the Ministry of Culture for upgradation and such proposals from the NEZCC and the member States will be considered.

1(b)   Occupation of Food Stalls and Pavilions

            The Director informed the members that all State Pavilions in the Shilpgram Complex, barring Assam, were yet to be properly decorated/ furnished. The target date for completing the furnishing of the Pavilions was 30^th April 2007 as per the decision taken in the last Executive Board and Governing Body meeting held on 10^th November 2006.  The member – States were once again requested to take up the work of furnishing the   State Pavilions with local artifacts etc., in order to create an ambience of their States. The member- States were also urged to occupy the vacant food Stall at the earliest possible time. In the event of not finding a suitable entrepreneur to run the food Stall allotted to them, it was requested that the same may be communicated to the NEZCC so that alternative arrangement can be made.

The representative of the Government of Nagaland informed the meeting that furnishing of Nagaland Pavilion would be taken up by the end of March 2007. They also informed the meeting that efforts were on to occupy the food Stall. It was informed by the Principal Secretary, Cultural Affairs & Heritage, Govt. of Sikkim, that Government of Sikkim is negotiating with NGO for taking up the food Stall. The furnishing of Sikkim State Pavilion would also be taken up soon. The Chairman observed that the Shilpgram Complex is ideally located in the heart of Guwahati, and has great potential to blossom into a hub of cultural activities. He stated that   lack of publicity could be the only reason for low turnout of visitors. The Chairman further said all member States should cooperate fully in making use of all the facilities allotted to them at the Complex.

            The Commissioner and Secretary, Cultural Affairs, Government of Assam mentioned that the rates for facilities in Shilpgram was rather on the higher side and  requested the Centre to offer concessional rates instead of refusing to rent out facilities on lower rates. The suggestion was welcomed and the Chairman stated that concesssional rates would be offered according to availability of facilities at Shilpgram. The Director, Cultural Affairs, Government of Assam also suggested that the minimum facilities of Stage, Light, PA system could be offered by the Centre to aspiring young talents and students so that they could perform in the Shilpgram without any payment. It was also suggested to publish the forthcoming events in Shilpgram in local dailies for public information.

 The Commissioner and Secretary, Art & Culture, Government of Nagaland said that additional initiatives from the Government of Assam was necessary for promotion of Shilpgram facilities. He also suggested that the student community from member- States of NEZCC could be encouraged to utilize the facilities available in Shilpgram for celebrating their local festivals in order to popularize the Complex.

1(c)    Landscaping and beautification works at Shilpgram

             The Director, NEZCC informed the members that the Government of Assam has sanctioned an amount of Rs.25.00 lakhs for the purpose of landscaping and beautification works at Shilpgram. She stated that though the work has been started, the progress has been slow and therefore, the Commissioner and Secretary, Cultural Affairs, Government of Assam was requested to pursue the matter for early completion of the works before the monsoon.

1(d)   Fund for Publicity and Promotion of NEZCC Shilpgram

            As per decision in the last Finance Committee meeting held on 9^th November 2006, a proposal was submitted to the Ministry of Cul;ture for publicity and promotion of the NEZCC Shilpgram. However, Shri. A.K. Singh, IFS, Director (ZCC) informed the meeting that there was no such provision for such expenditure in the Ministry. He suggested that the Centre could approach the National Akademies of Sangeet Natak, Lalit Kala, Sahitya and also the National School of Drama (NSD) for the purpose. He also said that a meeting of the functionaries of the three Central Akademies, National School of Drama and the Director of NEZCC would be convened in New Delhi to discuss matters relating to the Publicity and Promotion of Shilpgram at Guwahati. Commissioner & Secretary (Art & Culture), Nagaland suggested that the Ministry of Tourism could also be approached for publicity.

.       NEZCC Complex Development      

            The Director, NEZCC informed the meeting that the NEZCC HQ at Dimapur had been set up over 20 acres of land situated in the heart of Dimapur. Stating that the built up space was less than 50% of the available land, she pointed out the need to occupy the vacant land at NEZCC Complex in order to avoid encroachment of land. She also stated that the construction of the office/quarters/facilities was not completed as per the original blue print of the Complex and requested that assistance be given for development of the NEZCC Complex at Dimapur. The members were informed that the Centre had prepared a detailed Project proposal for the Construction of an Open Air Theatre (Rs.4,18,43,000/-) and a Guest House (Rs.1,08,16,700/-) at the NEZCC Complex at Dimapur and submitted to the Ministry of Culture, Government of India for consideration after due approval from the Executive and Governing Board of the Centre. Shri. A.K. Singh, Director (ZCC), Ministry of Culture said that the proposal was under technical examination in the Ministry.

3 (a)  Additional Grants for Programmes under NE Pool Fund.

          The matter was discussed at length and the Director NEZCC pointed out the need for additional allocation of funds from the North East Pool for the Centre. The Director, Ministry of Culture, stated that the Centre would have to be more realistic in its demands from the Government of India. He stated that the Ministry had already increased allocation of funds for the Centre during the current financial year, pointing out that there had been an increase in the allocation of funds under NCEP from Rs. 50.00 lakhs in 2005-06 to Rs. 86.00 lakhs in 2006-07. He pointed out that there should be reasonable representation of programmes in all member States so that funds provided by the Ministry could be utilized equally for all member- States.

3 (b)  National Cultural Exchange Programme

            The Director, NEZCC, explained that the Centre had approved to implement various programmes in the member- State amounting to Rs. 1.00 crore as anticipated from the Ministry during the current financial year. However, the Centre had received only Rs. 70.00 lakhs from the Ministry and hence pointed out the need for additional funds to implement the approved programmes of the Centre. The Director, Ministry of Culture stated that there had been a cut on the outlay for the Zonal Centres and hence the Ministry would not be able to release Rs. 1.00 crore for the Centre as intended earlier and that the total funds released under NCEP would be Rs.86.00 lakhs for the Centre. He stated that Rs.70.00 lakhs had already been released and the balance amount of Rs.16.00 lakhs would be released shortly. However, the savings in the Ministry, if any, would be reviewed towards the end of the financial year to extend assistance, if possible.

3 (c)   Documentation Proposal for 2006-07

            The Director NEZCC stated that the NEZCC had received an amount of Rs.10.00 lakhs during 2006-07 against  the Documentation Schemes but that no funds had been received under the Scheme for 2005- 06. Stating that proposals under Documentation submitted by various member- States amounting to Rs.51,77,040/- were pending with the Centre, the Director requested for special and additional Grants under the Scheme to meet the pending demands. The Director pointed out that the North Eastern Region should be provided with special funds for Documentation works since little had been done to document and preserve the unique and Vanishing Art Forms of the region. The Director, Art & Culture, Manipur also pointed out that the North East should be given special consideration and funding should be enhanced under Documentation considering the little work that has been taken up in this area. The Director, Ministry of Culture, stated that he was unable to make any commitment but that the matter would be examined in the Ministry.

3 (d)  Guru Shishya Parampara – 2006 – 07

            It was informed to the members that out of total requirement of fund for 2006-07 amounting to Rs.25.52 lakhs, the Government of India has sanctioned an amount of Rs.12.00 lakhs to the Centre. To implement the Scheme as approved by the Programme Committee and to operate 20 Guru Shishya Kendras, the Centre still requires an additional Grant of Rs.13.52 lakhs during the current financial year. However, the Director, Ministry of Culture stated that additional funds during the current financial year may not be possible.

3 (e)   Theatre Rejuvenation Scheme 2006 – 07

            The members at the meeting were informed that the Programme Committee of NEZCC had approved 6 (six) Theatre Projects during 2006 – 07 amounting to Rs.17.32 lakhs. The Centre has already received a Grant of Rs.5.50 lakh against the Financial Year 2005 -06. To implement all approved projects the Centres would require an additional Grant against Theatre Rejuvenation Scheme 2006 – 07.

3 (f)   Young Talent Awards 2006 – 07

            The Programme Committee of NEZCC had approved to recognize 5(five) Young Talents each from 8 (eight) member- States out of an annual grant of Rs.5.00 lakhs under the Scheme. Out of this, the Centre has received a Grant of Rs.3.50 lakhs during the current year. The Centre will require an additional Grant of Rs.1.50 lakhs to fully implement the Scheme. The Government of India was requested to release the balance amount at the earliest.

3 (g)  Shilpgram activities Scheme 2006 -07

            The Programme Committee of NEZCC had approved programmes amounting to Rs.30.00 lakhs for regular programme activities by the member- States throughout the year at Shilpgram during the year 2006-07. The NEZCC had also earmarked an amount of Rs. 10.00 lakhs out of its Corpus Fund Interest income for programmes at Shilpgram. So far, no fund has been received from the Government of India under this Scheme. The Government of India was requested to consider this proposal under special Grant and allocate annual Grants to ensure regular cultural/craft – oriented programmes/ activities at Shilpgram.

3 (h)  Octave – Festival of the North East

            The members of the meeting were informed of the funds required for Octave- 2006 and 2007. The Director stated that for Octave 2005-2006, an amount of Rs.7.00 lakhs spent from the interest earning of the Centre for participation was yet to be reimbursed by the Ministry of Culture. Shri. A.K. Singh, Director (ZCC), Ministry of Culture said that the release of the balance amount against Octave 2006 and 2007 will be considered by the Ministry.

4.       Collaborative Programmes with other Departments/ Ministries, Projects under Ministry of Textiles (Handicrafts)

            Shri. S. Dkhar, Regional Director, O/o the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) NER under the Ministry of Textiles was invited to attend the meeting as a special invitee. After a thorough discussion, the Regional Director, Development Commissioner (Handicraft) agreed to take up a series of Exhibitions at Shilpgram throughout the year to promote the crafts of the member States of the NEZCC. He also agreed to pursue the project proposal for setting up of a Handicrafts Museum at Shilpgram. He also informed the meeting that the NEZCC may also avail schemes under Research and Development Project. The Chairman, NEZCC directed the Director, NEZCC to pursue the matter with Shri Dkhar.

5.       Additional Programme Proposals

            The Director, NEZCC stated that 12 additional programmes amounting to Rs.35.72 lakhs submitted from the member States were pending with the Centre and could not be implemented due to paucity of funds. However, the Government of India representative, Shri. A. K. Singh, Director (ZCC) informed the meeting that due to budget cut at the level of the Ministry, it may not be possible to sanction additional Grants for such programmes.

6.       Corpus Fund position

            A detailed chart showing the present position and also contribution due from member- States was placed in the meeting.

            The Government of Manipur contributed their remaining share of Rs.25.00 lakhs to the NEZCC Corpus Fund. The Commissioner, Art & Culture, Govt. of Manipur personally handed over a bank draft for the same to the Chairman, NEZCC and His Excellency, the Governor of Nagaland and Chairman, NEZCC accepted the amount while expressing his gratitude to the Govt. of Manipur.

            The latest position of matching contribution due from the member- States was listed as follows:

1.         Government of Arunachal Pradesh        -           Rs.      1,00,00,000.00

2.         Government of Meghalaya                       -        Rs.         70,00,000.00

3.         Government of Tripura                             -        Rs.         16,00,000.00

            The meeting decided to request the above member- States to release their balance matching contribution to the NEZCC Corpus Fund preferably in a single installment in order to earn more interest and to augment its programme activities.

7.       The Special Meeting also discussed the prospects of holding the next Executive Board and Governing Body meetings in one of the member- States of NEZCC. The host State was expected to provide the following minimum logistics for smooth conduct of the meetings:

(i)        A Conference Hall with 60 to 70 seating capacity with proper P.A System

(ii)       Accommodation of members in Government Guest Houses for about 60 persons.

(iii)      Local transportation.

            After a thorough discussion, Shri.G.M. Gurung, Hon’ble Minister for Cultural Affairs and Heritage, Sikkim announced that the State of Sikkim will host the next Executive Board and Governing Body meetings on 9^th &10^th November 2007 at Gangtok (Sikkim).

          Thereafter, the meeting ended with a Vote of Thanks to the Chair.

                                                                        (V. Hekali Zhimomi) IAS

                                                                                 Director

                                                                       NEZCC : Dimapur
 

    ANNEXURE-I

ATTENDANCE IN THE SPECIAL MEETING CONVENED BY HIS EXCELLENCY SHRI SANKARANARAYANAN, THE GOVERNOR OF NAGALAND & CHAIRMAN, NEZCC ON MARCH 12, 2007 AT GUWAHATI

1.         Shri Sankaranarayanan

            His Excellency the Governor

            & Chairman, NEZCC                                                           -           In Chair

 

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

2.         Shri A. K. Singh, IFS            

            Director, ZCCS, Ministry of Culture                                 -           Representative

ASSAM

3.         Shri M. K. Barooah, IAS

            Commissioner & Secretary

Department Cultural Affairs                                              -           Member

4.         Shri Swapnaneel Barua, IAS

            Director,

            Department of Cultural Affairs                                         -           Member

MANIPUR

5.         Shri P. Bharat Singh, IAS,

            Commissioner &Secretary

Govt. of Manipur                                                                 -           Member

6.         Dr. (Mrs.) Sarojini Devi,     

            Director, Art & Culture                                                       -           Member

MEGHALAYA

7.         Dr. J.L. R. Marak                                                      

Curator

Department of Art & Culture                                             -           Representative

8.         R. Massar

            Archivist                   

Department of Art & Culture                                             -           Representative

 

MIZORAM

9.         Shri R. S. Rosangluaia                                                        

Joint Director

Art & Culture                                                                        -           Representative

NAGALAND

10.       Shri K. K. Sema, IAS

            Commissioner & Secretary, Art & Culture                      -           Member

11.       Smt. Kivinino P.Meru

            Director,  Art & Culture                                                      -           Member

SIKKIM

12.       Shri G. M. Gurung

            Hon’ble Minister of Cultural Affairs & Heritage            -           Member

13.       Shri L. Bhutia, IAS

            Principal Secretary,

            Cultural Affairs & Heritage Department                         -           Member

 

14.       Shri K. Basnet

            Joint Secretary

            Cultural Affairs & Heritage Department                         -           Member

SPECIAL INVITEES

15.       Shri Pankaj Kumar, IAS

            Commissioner & Secretary to the

            Governor of Nagaland

16.       Shri S. Dkhar

            Regional Director

            DC (Handicrafts) NER

17        Shri. Virendra Kumar

            Sr. Asstt. Director

            DC (Handicrafts) NER

18.       Shri R.S. Gauri

            Deputy Director

            Song & Drama Division, Guwuahati

19.       Shri D. Vashum

            Deputy Director

            NEZCC

20.       Smt. V. Hekali Zhimomi, IAS                    Director-Member-Secretary