The Akademi had fallen into disrepute and the Central Government took it over in January, 1997, after it came under a barrage of charges and counter-charges of malpractice and mismanagement.

Now, the Memorandum of Association, fashioned on the lines of the recommendations made by the Haksar Committee of 1990, hopes to put the Akademi firmly back in business. It also goes beyond P N Haksar's recommendations, calling for more changes than those suggested by him.

The revised memorandum bites off half the strength of the general council, reducing it to 69 fromm 114. Also, nominees of art organisations now number 10 instead of 32 while nominees of state government and Union territory akademies 11 rather than 32.

Not surprisingly, government nominees retain their presence (at 13). An amendment also provides for a Central Government takeover ofthe management if the Akademi mismanages its affairs. All powers of the chairmen, general council/executive board will then vest in a government-appointed administrator. This, however, has raised questions about the autonomy and independence of artists.

The memorandum also nibbles at the chairman's powers, reducing the post's tenure to three from five years and proscribing an age limit of 65 years (earlier there was none). The President will appoint the chairman, choosing a name from three forwarded by a three-member committee, in a manner akin to that of a Vice-Chancellor of a central university. The chairman can also nominate three members to the executive board, so that he is not deprived of his due role in governance.

The vice-chairman's role, however, has been limited. Earlier, he arrogated to himself the chairman;s powers as he was elected by the general council; now his tenure is for three years (in the past it was five) and the memo provides for a gap of two years between two consecutive terms.the vice-chairman will still be elected by the general council, but he can only assist the chairman. The term of general council members, other than the ex-officio ones, has been reduced to three from five years. The memo seeks to squash criticism for reducing the number of nominees from state governments and akademies by ensuring representation via a two-yearly rotation, but nominees of art organisations are at the government's mercy.

Memorandum of Association: Main provisions

* Strength of general council down from 114 to 69.

* Chairman's, vice-chairman's tenure reduced from five to three years.

* Chairman's post to have age limit of 65 years.

* Vice-chairman's powers to be curbed.

* Centre can takeover management in case of Akademi mismanagement.

* Nominees of art organisations to be selected from list of 30 names given to the government.