CINTAA Dispute: Upasana Singh Claims Victory

CINTAA Leadership Dispute: Upasana Singh and Nagma Morarji Claim Victory

Cine and TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) president Upasana Singh and treasurer Nagma Morarji have claimed victory in the body’s leadership and governance dispute. At a press conference in Mumbai, they alleged misuse of artists’ funds, unauthorised decisions and violation of court directions, and said their fight is about transparency and artists’ welfare.

Upasana Singh said the fight is for truth, and that the battle is not about positions of power. She stressed that the legal proceedings have so far gone in their favour, and that both the Dindoshi Court and the High Court have given rulings in their favour.

Background of the Dispute

The dispute in CINTAA began when Upasana Singh and Nagma Morarji raised concerns about the misuse of artists’ funds and unauthorised decisions taken by the earlier executive committee. They alleged that the committee did not address key concerns of artists, such as long working hours, late payments and the lack of conveyance allowances.

Allegations over Artists’ Welfare Funds

Upasana Singh alleged that the earlier executive committee did not address key concerns of artists, such as long working hours, late payments and the lack of conveyance allowances. She also questioned how the association’s money was used and said a constitutional rule on welfare spending was ignored.

According to her, CINTAA earns money from new memberships, yearly dues, rent from leased office properties and interest on fixed deposits. She said that 20 per cent of the funds received by CINTAA must be spent on the welfare of artists, but this was not done.

Claims of Fear and Show-Cause Notices

Upasana Singh described an atmosphere of fear in the association, where members worry that questioning the leadership could lead to show-cause notices, suspension or cancellation of membership cards. She named senior actors Preeti Sapru and Hemant Pandey, besides herself, as people who faced such notices for disagreeing with decisions.

Nagma Morarji, the treasurer, said the association’s money, assets and records belong to the institution and its members, not to individuals. She said that the funds, assets, and records that have accumulated since 1958 belong solely and exclusively to the association and its artists.

Court Order and Election Timeline

Nagma Morarji said the elections were scheduled for the 12th, but a court order on the 11th upheld the authority of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) to conduct them. The court stipulated that the election results would not be announced until the 26th, and the newly elected body would not assume official actions until then.

However, the rival group announced and held separate elections on the 20th and declared results on the 21st, despite the court’s directions. Nagma Morarji alleged that official records were taken out of the CINTAA office on the very day of the order and questioned the urgency.

Expert Perspective

Experts say that the dispute in CINTAA highlights the need for transparency and accountability in the governance of artists’ associations. They say that the allegations of misuse of funds and unauthorised decisions are serious and need to be investigated.

Implications for Readers in India

The dispute in CINTAA has implications for readers in India, particularly those in the entertainment industry. It highlights the need for artists to be aware of their rights and to demand transparency and accountability from their associations.

What to Watch Next

The next steps in the dispute will be crucial in determining the future of CINTAA. Readers can expect updates on the court proceedings and the actions taken by the association to address the allegations of misuse of funds and unauthorised decisions.

• The court proceedings will continue, with the next hearing scheduled for soon.
• The association will take steps to address the allegations of misuse of funds and unauthorised decisions.
• The newly elected body will assume office and take charge of the association.

Upasana Singh said that the fight is for the truth, and that their only motto is Satyameva Jayate (Truth alone triumphs). She added that if they are truthful, they ought to win, and they have won.

Timeline of Events

The dispute in CINTAA has been ongoing for several months, with the following key events:

• August 7: 50 per cent of the executive members submitted their resignations, leading to the dissolution of the committee.
• August 11: The court upheld the authority of FWICE to conduct the elections.
• August 12: The elections were scheduled to take place, but were postponed due to the court order.
• August 20: The rival group announced and held separate elections, despite the court’s directions.
• August 21: The rival group declared the results of the separate elections.

Conclusion

The dispute in CINTAA is a complex and ongoing issue, with serious allegations of misuse of funds and unauthorised decisions. The court proceedings and the actions taken by the association will be crucial in determining the future of CINTAA and the welfare of its members.