Cultural Affairs Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu on Saturday announced setting up a Punjab Sabhyacharak Commission. Among other activities, the prime duty of the Manch would be to check vulgarity in Punjabi songs.
It will recommend registration of a police complaint in case it finds vulgar content in songs. Sidhu said the commission would give its first report in two weeks.
Renowned writer Surjit Pattar will finalise the members of the commission.
Pattar, who accompanied Sidhu at the press conference, said the commission is an apolitical decision and was formed to save the history and culture of Punjab.
Sidhu added, “The government has notified Punjab state culture policy after extensive deliberations with intellectuals and prominent personalities in the field of art, literature and music. As per provisions of the policy, efforts are being made to curb vulgarity in songs. It is also proposed to spread awareness jointly with other departments.” However, unsatisfied with the effort, Manshahia told TOI, “The state has some well-known poets and writers like Surjit Patar and they can be brought together to constitute a censor board. The objectionable lyrics not just prompt youth to take their education non-seriously, these are also provocations for criminal acts. A song where the singer wants to go back to his hostel room to have liquor with friends would only corrupt the mindset.”
