Two days after assuming charge as the Culture Department Secretary Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee on Thursday issued a circular to all district Collectors to promote classical songs and dances, folk songs and dances and devotional songs while organising cultural programmes using Government fund.

Dr Padhee’s move is meant to discourage cheap and vulgar film songs-based dance programmes, said sources.

Padhee has asked the district Collectors to adhere to the directive while staging cultural shows at Government-sponsored functions.

“Odisha has its own identity in the world for its cultural richness and diversity. The District Cultural Councils bear the primary obligations to uphold this. It is being marked that the councils are arranging record dances instead of emphasising on basic cultural programmes,” Padhee lamented in the

circular.

He pointed out that the traditional artists are losing livelihoods due to spread of modern vulgar songs and dances.

Padhee strictly directed the Collectors not to spend any Government money on vulgar programmes if conducted by other cultural organisations. Besides, he wanted that livelihood of economically weak artists be protected and dying art forms be revived. He also asked them to prioritise classical dances and songs of Odisha and other States as well. 

Besides, he said coordination among local, State-level and National-level cultural groups should be maintained well at the time of cultural programme selection and presentation.