Demonstration at Sangam regarding cancellation of unfair policies of commercialization in reservation of NCZCC auditorium.

Manish Kapoor.
Prayagraj. On 18 October 2024 at 02:00 pm, a large number of artists from Prayagraj sent their serious message in a very interesting and unique way.

In which the artists first of all appealed to the city deity Bade Hanuman ji while visiting, after that, while drinking water from Maa Ganga, standing up to their necks in water, they raised the slogan NCZCC auditorium rent hike should be withdrawn.

Let us tell you that there is deep concern about the future of NCZCC auditorium. This place has been playing its role as a creative place of artists and for artists for a long time, but today it has become a victim of unfair and unjust commercialization policies and is putting an unbearable burden on artists and cultural organizations.

The recent decisions taken by NCZCC officials are undoubtedly disappointing. The 300% to 400% hike in booking fees, the requirement of 6-hour booking slots, the imposition of unnecessary GST on bookings, and additional charges on blocks, podiums, plinths, light-sound equipment, etc. are not only impractical but also a direct attack on the creativity of the artists. These decisions are a conspiracy to silence the voices of artists who are already performing despite the severe economic crisis. Moreover, the classification of sponsored and non-sponsored events is also highly flawed. No cultural event can be held without being sponsored by some form of government or non-government organization.

We cannot allow NCZCC to be corrupted by commercial interests. The NCZCC auditorium belongs to us, the artists, the dreamers, the cultural workers and the literature lovers, and it must remain a place where art and literature can flourish free from crooked commercial shackles.

NCZCC was established with the objective of preserving and promoting art and culture, not to put up financial barriers to stifle creativity.