Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec 18: Mr. Angshuman Roy, State Youth President, Hindu Rashtra Shakti, has submitted a representation to the Lieutenant Governor, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, highlighting the continued neglect of local artists and cultural groups in the Island Tourism Festival (ITF) 2025 and seeking urgent corrective measures.
In his representation, Roy stated that ITF, projected as the flagship cultural and tourism event of the Union Territory, has consistently failed to provide dignity, fair remuneration, and adequate opportunities to local artists, who are the true custodians of the Islands’ cultural heritage. He expressed concern that remuneration rates for local artists have remained unchanged for over a decade despite rising costs of living, transportation, costumes, rehearsals, and logistics, leading to severe demoralisation among cultural practitioners.
He demanded immediate revision of minimum remuneration per stage performance, district-wise, proposing
• ₹30,000 for South Andaman,
• ₹35,000 for North & Middle Andaman, and
• ₹40,000 for Nicobar District, citing additional hardships faced by artists from remote regions.
The representation further demanded that each selected local cultural team be allotted a minimum of two stage performances during ITF 2025. It was also urged that singing teams be given at least 45 minutes of stage time and dance groups a minimum of 30 minutes, stating that anything less amounts to disrespect to their months of preparation and artistic commitment.
Stressing the need for true representation of Island culture, Mr. Roy called for compulsory inter-island participation of artists from South Andaman, North & Middle Andaman, and Nicobar Districts. He also demanded mandatory provision of transportation, food, and lodging facilities for all participating local artists, particularly those from North & Middle Andaman and Nicobar, terming it unjust to expect artists to bear such expenses.
The representation strongly opposed any age bar on participation, urging that children aged six years and above be encouraged to take part to preserve and nurture indigenous art forms from an early age.
Raising concerns over lack of transparency in the selection process, Mr. Roy requested the constitution of a professional Selection Committee comprising qualified music and dance teachers from Andaman Academy and Government educational institutions to ensure fairness and eliminate favoritism.
He also urged that representatives of local artists be consulted during the planning and execution stages of ITF 2025, stating that a participatory approach would help restore trust and ensure smooth conduct of the festival.
Mr. Angshuman Roy emphasized that continued neglect of local artists threatens the cultural soul of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and appealed to the Lieutenant Governor for immediate intervention to ensure that ITF 2025 becomes a platform of dignity, fairness, and genuine cultural representation.
He assured the Administration of full cooperation from local artists and youth cultural groups in making ITF 2025 a truly inclusive and successful event.
