Dearth of registrars delays works in academies

The apathy of Kannada and Culture Department has forced linguistic academies to fend for themselves.

For the first time in the history of linguistic academies in the state, all day-to-day affairs in the five academies are being monitored by a single registrar. The activities in 16 academies have come to a grinding halt due to the department’s indifferent attitude to filling up key posts in these academies.

The registrar’s post in Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy (KKSA) is lying vacant since June 31, 2018 after B Devdas Pai had retired from service.

Umarabba, who had earlier served as the registrar of Karnataka Beary Sahitya Academy (KBSA) from February 18, 2011 to June 31, 2017 was made full-time registrar of Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy (KKSA) between July 2, 2017 and October 1, 2018.

The post of registrar in KKSA fell vacant after Umarabba returned to the Education Department, which is his parent department.

During the same period, Umarabba was also the in-charge registrar of Karnataka Arebhashe Samskruthi and Sahitya Academy as well. The post of registrars in Konkani, Beary, Kodava and Arebhashe Sahitya Academies are lying vacant and B Chandrahas Rai, the full- time registrar of Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy (KTSA) has been tasked with the additional charge of running all academies.

Konkani Sahitya Academy Chairman R P Naika said works in his academy are being postponed regularly due to the absence of a full-time registrar. The payments to outsourced artistes are also delayed.

“Though a registrar is expected to be present at the programmes conducted by the academy, the in-charge registrar is finding it difficult as he has to attend programmes and manage administrative works of five other academies. The ongoing programmes cannot be stalled just because there is no full time Registrar,” Naika said. Besides it is expected that the registrars of the linguistic academies are familiar with the language.

“For instance, Konkani academy needs a registrar who knows Konkani language,” he said. Konkani academy chairman said they have urged government to appoint a full time registrar.

Kannada and Culture minister, who is aware about the problem, has promised to fill up vacancies at the earliest.

Department Director N R Vishukumar did not respond despite making multiple
calls.