Govt appoints special officer to run Nadigar Sangam

A copy of the order signed by commercial taxes and registration department secretary Ka. Balachandran read that the special officer will manage the affairs of the Nadigar Sangam for a period of one year from November 6, 2019, until the election-related disputes pending before the Madras High Court is adjudicated.

The delay in the declaration of election results to Nadigar Sangam due to litigations has stalled disbursement of funds to the poor artistes in the form of educational fund, medical support and other financial assistance. Due to lack of direction to administration and lack of management, the State government in accordance with the provisions of Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act 1975 and Tamil Nadu Registration Rules 1978 instructed the special officer to discharge the duties of Nadigar Sangam, the order read.

Earlier in October, the State government issued a show-cause notice to the office-bearers of the Nadigar Sangam asking why a special officer should not be appointed to manage its affairs and designated a district registrar to submit his report after ascertaining the Sangam activities.

After Geetha’s appointment, incumbent office-bearers of the Nadigar Sangam on Thursday called for an urgent press meet to express their disappointment over the government’s decision. Talking to DT Next, actor-producer Manobala, one of the EC Members of the SIAA, said, “We have been maintaining clean chit for the last four years. There have been no cases of corruption and with the court verdict being announced on the election in a few hours’ time, we wonder why the State Government appointed a special officer. We need to submit the accounts of the Sangam for the last four years to the special officer as soon as possible. The Sangam has legally faced all the hurdles and this is just another one. We will obey the verdict and act accordingly.” Isari K Ganesh, who is currently the contender to Vishal Krishna’s post of the General Secretary at Nadigar Sangam, said, “I would suggest the team of Pandavar Ani to read the GO once again. PV Geetha has been temporarily appointed as the Special Officer. She will be in charge of the vote counts or fresh elections based on the court’s verdict on Friday. So, the scenario isn’t similar to what Tamil Nadu Film Producers’ Council is going through.”