Source: HT
Context: The Union Ministry of Culture expressed its intent to change the process of nomination for the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award.
The Sahitya Akademi Awards:
- These are bestowed annually by the Sahitya Akademi – India’s National Academy of Letters, on writers of the most outstanding books of literary merit published in
- Any of the 22 languages of the 8th Schedule to the Indian constitution
- As well as in English and Rajasthani
- With four awards for each language, the Akademi plays a crucial role in recognising excellence in literature.
The selection process:
- For the main award/ Bhasha Samman conducted through a rigorous and confidential process overseen by experts – the body comprises one writer chosen from each of the 24 regional languages.
- Each member suggests 200 names, following which an expert committee finalises 50 in phase one → 5 in the next phase and finally, one of the five is shortlisted.
Changes proposed: Open nomination process, where any writer can nominate himself or herself and also recommend other candidates for the awards.
Concerns: Political interference will distract the qualitative work of the Akademi.
