Why in News?
The Sahitya Akademi cancelled its press conference to announce annual literary awards following a directive from the Union Ministry of Culture.
Description:
- Reason: A directive from the Union Ministry of Culture citing a lack of prior approval and consultation as required by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in July 2025.
Structural Changes in Cultural Bodies:
- The “Big Four” Autonomous Bodies: The restructuring directive applies to four key institutions under the Ministry of Culture:
- Sahitya Akademi (National Academy of Letters)
- Sangeet Natak Akademi (National Academy of Music, Dance, and Drama)
- Lalit Kala Akademi (National Academy of Art)
- National School of Drama (NSD)
- Overarching Policy: The restructuring is part of a broader government initiative under the aegis of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to standardize awards across all departments.
About Sahitya Akademi Awards:
- It is awarded for the most outstanding books of literary merit published in any of the major Indian languages recognised by the Akademi.
- Along with the 22 languages enumerated in the Constitution of India, the Sahitya Akademi has recognised English and Rajasthani as languages in which its programme may be implemented.
- The authors and poets will receive a plaque, a shawl and an amount of ₹1 lakh in an award.
Key facts about the Sahitya Akademi:
- It was formally inaugurated by the Government of India on 12 March 1954.
- It was registered as a society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
- It is the central institution for literary dialogue, publication and promotion in the country and the only institution that undertakes literary activities in 24 Indian languages, including English.
- Ministry: An autonomous organization under the Ministry of Culture.
- Head office: New Delhi.
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