Kolkata: Performing artistes of Bengal, including Soumitra Mitra, Sima Mukhopadhyay, Dulal Lahiri, Arup Ray and Sanjib Sarkar, took out a rally on Thursday, condemning the Centre’s suspension and cancellation of a large number of Performing Artists Grants without citing any reason. But their protest remained unheard at a meeting that the Union minister of culture had in Kolkata with performing artistes. What shocked them further was the suggestion of a 15-day ‘schooling’ by BJP Chhattisgarh MLA Bhawna Bohra to bring about the “much-needed change” in Bengal.Mitra, one of the organisers of the rally from Tapan Theatre to Academy of Fine Arts, called the outcome of the meeting with the minister “deeply disappointing”. “The ministry asked us to appeal and then, the drastic decision to cut all grants was taken. We have to go for stronger demonstrations to fight this,” Mitra said.Mukhopadhyay said the minister discussed salary grants and cooled-off and rejected applicants. He said long-time practitioners should make sacrifices, and promised both cooled-off and newly rejected applicants could reapply. “Reasons for rejections would be provided. He said many mails were sent from Bengal, saying salary grants did not reach the shishyas. He cited anomalies involving some Padma Bibhushan and Sangeet Natak awardees, too, and said all grants would be sent directly to recipients’ accounts,” she said. Mukhopadhyay alleged the minister urged those present to help bring political change in Bengal and mentioned Bohra’s stay here until polls. “How can a govt dictate how a cultural entity will behave? We were told despite protests, decisions on grants or cooling-off categories won’t change”
