Punjab forms panel to check vulgarity, obscenity, anti-social messages; Captain Amarinder Singh and Navjot Sidhu in-charge

Punjab will have a cultural commission to probe songs containing anti-social messages, obscenity, vulgarity, violence and drugs

CHANDIGARH: For the first time in its history, Punjab will have a cultural commission that will probe songs alleged to contain anti-social messages, obscenity, vulgarity, violence and drugs. An initiative by the state government Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, the cultural commission will be headed by Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh. Congress leader Navjot Sidhu, who's also the state Minister of Cultural Affairs will be the vice-chairman of the committee. 

“Punjab's Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs has set up a committee to identify & probe glorification of obscenity, vulgarity, violence and drugs in songs, suo moto or on receiving a complaint,” reported news agency ANI.

The commission will investigate after a complaint is registered. It also holds the authority to register an FIR against the defaulters, said Sidhu.

More members will eventually be a part of the committee, which is expected to start working after two weeks. 

Meanwhile, Punjab Arts Council Chairman Surjit Patar has been asked to recommend the names of possible members.