COIMBATORE: The Union Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) has expanded an Inter-Ministerial Task Force constituted by it in March to evolve guidelines for media/journalism schools in the country.
Noted Bharatanatyam exponent from Tamil Nadu Padma Subramaniam and Bangalore-based theatre personality Arundhati Nag are among six persons who have been taken on board the task force.
Originally the task force was constituted with 15 members, including senior journalists Sanjay Baru, Shekhar Gupta and Siddharth Varadarajan, to evolve recommendations on ensuring quality in journalism and mass communication training institutions along with providing access and equity. However, the Union Ministry of Culture had recommended that eminent persons from the field of theatre and performing arts must be roped in as members of the Task Force on education in media related courses. Accepting the request the HRD Ministry has expanded the composition of the panel.
According to R P Sisodia, Joint Secretary, Union HRD Ministry, the other newly inducted members are Sangeet Natak Akademi acting secretary Helen Acharya (ex-officio member), dance historian Sunil Kothari, Chhau dance exponent Shashadhar Acharya and Union Ministry of Culture Director Roopa Srinivasan (also ex-officio member).
The HRD Ministry had set up the Inter-Ministerial Task Force on the recommendation of Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni.