A controversy has erupted at the South Central Zone Cultural Centre (SCZCC) after an audio clip allegedly revealed a programme assistant demanding a 30% commission from artistes in exchange for arranging performance bookings. The recording, which has gone viral, led to a formal complaint being sent to Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, raising concerns about transparency and possible exploitation within the government-run cultural body.
In the audio, the programme assistant is allegedly heard offering to arrange a seven-day programme in Delhi if the artiste agrees to give the payment of three days as commission. The official reportedly demanded ?51,000 from a total honorarium of ?1.71 lakh. It was also alleged that artistes were pressured to return ?2,700 from the ?9,000 paid to each performer. Sources said that after the initial conversation, an administrative accounts officer also contacted the artiste.
The artiste was reportedly warned to decide quickly on the commission payment, failing which the programme order would be cancelled. The affected artiste later approached Chhatarpur (MP) MLA Arvind Patoria, who has written to the Union Culture Minister seeking strict action against the officials involved.
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