Writers, poets and journalists miss recognition as prizes remain suspended; experts say delay has hurt publishing, research support and education activities
LUCKNOW — The Uttar Pradesh Urdu Academy has been facing a prolonged administrative crisis, with no executive committee in place for nearly five years, leading to stalled decisions, halted awards, and growing concern among members of the Urdu literary community.
The absence of the executive body has affected the functioning of the academy at multiple levels. Scholars, writers and journalists associated with the Urdu language say the situation has created frustration and uncertainty, as key programmes remain suspended.
Academy Secretary Shaukat Ali confirmed that the lack of an executive committee has brought several important decisions to a standstill. “Without the committee, we are unable to take policy decisions or move forward on major matters,” he said.
One of the most visible impacts has been the suspension of awards traditionally given by the academy. Every year, prominent Urdu poets, writers and journalists used to receive recognition along with financial support. The top award for best writer could go up to ₹500,000, while digital journalists were eligible for awards starting from ₹25,000. Smaller prizes for books, often up to ₹10,000, also formed part of the academy’s support system.
“All these awards have been stopped for the past five years,” an official said. “This has caused deep disappointment among those who depend on such recognition for both encouragement and financial support.”
Urdu scholars say the delay is not just administrative but has wider cultural consequences. Aftab Ahmed Afaqi, a noted expert on Urdu language and literature, described the situation as worrying. “Even after several years, the executive committee has not been formed. This raises serious questions about how the academy is being run,” he said.
The impact is also visible in the academy’s day-to-day activities. Programmes such as book publication, library services, Urdu coaching classes and computer training have either slowed down or are operating at a limited level. Some initiatives have stopped altogether.
“This is not just about one institution,” a senior Urdu scholar said. “When such bodies slow down, it affects the growth of the language itself.”
Staff shortage has added to the problem. Officials said that where once around 54 employees worked at the academy, the number has now come down to just 18. Many staff members have retired, and fresh recruitment has not taken place.
According to the secretary, the situation is linked to the absence of the executive committee. “Only the committee has the authority to amend the academy’s rules. Without those changes, recruitment through the selection commission cannot begin,” he explained.
Financial issues have also emerged. Due to the lack of decision-making authority, the academy reportedly had to return around ₹4.5 million from its 2024–25 budget to the government, as funds could not be utilised.
The academy, along with the Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Committee, operates under the state government and plays an important role in promoting Urdu, Arabic and Persian languages. Its work includes providing scholarships to researchers, publishing books and organising cultural and literary events.
Experts believe that the continued delay in forming the executive committee is affecting not only the institution but also the wider development of the Urdu language in the state.
A writer based in Lucknow said, “For many young researchers and writers, the academy was a source of support. Now they feel ignored.”
Members of the Urdu community and scholars have urged the state government to take immediate steps to restore the academy’s functioning. They have called for the formation of the executive committee at the earliest so that pending decisions can be cleared and regular activities resumed.
“The longer this delay continues, the more damage it will cause,” a senior academic said. “There is an urgent need to bring the institution back on track.”
