Latest news with #SZCC
Time of India
6 days ago
- Time of India
CBI books accounts officer in graft case
Madurai: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered a case against an accounts unit officer of the South Zone Cultural Centre (SZCC) in Thanjavur on charges of misappropriating govt funds of 2.24 crore. The SZCC, under the Union ministry of culture, endeavours to support and disseminate folk, tribal, and vanishing indigenous arts traditions. According to sources, K K Gopalakrishnan, director of SZCC, filed a complaint against G Meenakshi Natha Pillai stating that he operated around five companies under the names of his close relatives and participated in tender processes of SZCC while exploiting his position as the dealing assistant for budget and audit to award the projects to those companies and misappropriating 2.24 crore between 2019 and 2023. It was also found that one such company, Gaviko Pvt Ltd, which is blacklisted by the Union ministry of finance, still participated along with his relative-owned/benami companies, the complaint said. The accused became a successful vendor for the supply of goods for the painting and sculpture camps and other programmes conducted by him for the SZCC. Further investigation with banks revealed that a substantial sum was transferred from the account of those vendors to his and his relatives' and benami accounts, it added. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like We're unable to afford his treatment again, please help us! Donate For Health Donate Now Undo He was also found to have forged the signature of a successful vendor for the National Folk and Tribal Dance festival in 2022 and made his relatives' companies as sub-contractors. Sources said that the Institution of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is also investigating fabrication of a fake CA firm by Meenakshi, based on a complaint from SZCC. Meenakshi was booked under sections of BNS and the Prevention of Corruption Act, including for criminal conspiracy, forgery, cheating, and criminal breach of trust. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy Krishna Janmashtami Wishes ,, messages , and quotes !
Hans India
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Central schemes empower Karnataka's artistes
Bengaluru: The Union Ministry of Culture has extended financial and promotional support to hundreds of artistes across the state in 2024-25. According to details shared in the Lok Sabha, 397 veteran artistes have been provided with a monthly pension under a dedicated scheme aimed at supporting senior artistes. This initiative targets individuals aged 60 and above with an annual income below Rs. 72,000, offering them Rs. 6,000 monthly to honour their lifelong contributions to the arts. In cases of an artiste's passing, the financial aid seamlessly transfers to their spouse, ensuring continued support. The information came to light following a query raised by Udupi-Chikkamagalur MP Kota Srinivas Poojari during a parliamentary session on July 28. Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat outlined the various measures taken to uplift artistes in Karnataka, emphasising the government's commitment to preserving cultural heritage. Beyond veteran artistes, 716 folk artists from Karnataka have benefited from initiatives spearheaded by the South Zone Cultural Centre (SZCC) in Thanjavur, which is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Culture. These artistes received support through honorariums, travel allowances, accommodation, and local transportation for their participation in cultural events organised by the SZCC. Additionally, programs like the Guru-Shishya Parampara (repertory grant) have been instrumental, providing group leaders with Rs. 15,000 per month and group members with Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 10,000 monthly. The Cultural Function and Production Grant Scheme has also played a key role, offering up to Rs. 20 lakh to facilitate cultural festivals and programs in the state. Karnataka's artistes have also gained recognition on national and international stages. Many have been empanelled for prestigious events such as the Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsavs and global platforms like the 'Festival of India' under the Global Engagement Scheme. These opportunities not only provide financial backing but also amplify the visibility of Karnataka's rich artistic traditions. MP Poojari's inquiry specifically sought details on financial schemes and efforts to promote and preserve Karnataka's diverse folk art forms. This robust support system reflects a broader commitment to safeguarding India's artistic legacy while empowering its creators, positioning Karnataka as a vibrant hub of cultural expression in 2024-25.
Hans India
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Central Schemes Empower Karnataka's Artists
Bengaluru: The Union Ministry of Culture has extended financial and promotional support to hundreds of artists across the state in 2024-25. According to details shared in the Lok Sabha, 397 veteran artists have been provided with a monthly pension under a dedicated scheme aimed at supporting senior artists. This initiative targets individuals aged 60 and above with an annual income below Rs. 72,000, offering them Rs. 6,000 monthly to honour their lifelong contributions to the arts. In cases of an artist's passing, the financial aid seamlessly transfers to their spouse, ensuring continued support. The information came to light following a query raised by Udupi-Chikkamagalur MP Kota Srinivas Poojari during a parliamentary session on July 28. Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat outlined the various measures taken to uplift artists in Karnataka, emphasising the government's commitment to preserving cultural heritage. Beyond veteran artists, 716 folk artists from Karnataka have benefited from initiatives spearheaded by the South Zone Cultural Centre (SZCC) in Thanjavur, which is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Culture. These artists received support through honorariums, travel allowances, accommodation, and local transportation for their participation in cultural events organised by the SZCC. Additionally, programs like the Guru-Shishya Parampara (Repertory Grant) have been instrumental, providing group leaders with Rs. 15,000 per month and group members with Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 10,000 monthly. The Cultural Function and Production Grant Scheme has also played a key role, offering up to Rs. 20 lakh to facilitate cultural festivals and programs in the state. Karnataka's artists have also gained recognition on national and international stages. Many have been empanelled for prestigious events such as the Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsavs and global platforms like the 'Festival of India' under the Global Engagement Scheme. These opportunities not only provide financial backing but also amplify the visibility of Karnataka's rich artistic traditions. MP Poojari's inquiry specifically sought details on financial schemes and efforts to promote and preserve Karnataka's diverse folk art forms. This robust support system reflects a broader commitment to safeguarding India's artistic legacy while empowering its creators, positioning Karnataka as a vibrant hub of cultural expression in 2024-25.
The Hindu
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Salangai Naadham to feature artistes with disabilities
The South Zone Cultural Centre (SZCC) has decided to help artistes with disabilities to showcase their talents at Salangai Naadham 2025 to be conducted from May 10 to 18. Disclosing this to the press here on Wednesday (May 7), SZCC director K .K. Gopalakrishnan said that every day one of the six programme slots would be earmarked for artistes with disabilities at the event featuring various folk/tribal art forms from different States. Alongside the event, food stalls and stalls displaying handicrafts and other products would also be set up on the SZCC campus. Stating that it had been decided to collect entry fee from visitors, he said that while ₹20 would be collected as entry fee per person, ₹30 would levied as parking fee for cars and ₹10 for two-wheelers. The decision to collect entry and parking fee was a sequel to the directions issued by the Union Ministry, which had instructed the SZCC, an autonomous body, to generate funds to bridge the gap in the funds required for the administration and conduct of programmes by the Centre. It had also been decided to hold similar events at Kallanai, Manora and Anicut areas in Thanjavur district and at Pudukottai and Mayiladuthurai districts during the same period in association with the respective district administrations as in the past, he added.
