Kerala Sahitya Akademi plans audit and tighter rules for literary awards

The new leadership of the Kerala Sahitya Akademi has announced plans for an administrative audit, a more rigorous literary awards process and wider access for writers and cultural practitioners. Akademi president Kalpetta Narayanan and secretary M.P. Surendran outlined the proposed changes at a Meet the Press programme organised by the Thrissur Press Club.

Mr. Narayanan said the institution should move beyond routine programmes and develop a more active cultural ecosystem. He said the Akademi’s administrative functioning, including its award and activity systems, required an extensive review.

Mr. Surendran said existing award guidelines would be followed strictly and revised where necessary to make the process more transparent. The Akademi will announce its findings after examining complaints concerning previous awards.

Mr. Narayanan said literary merit, rather than a writer’s political views, should determine recognition. The leadership also said the institution would open its doors without discrimination to writers and cultural practitioners.

The Akademi is facing a financial constraint. Of the ₹3.45 crore Plan fund earmarked for 2026-27, it has received ₹1.20 crore so far, Mr. Surendran said.

Ensuring employees’ monthly salaries will be the immediate priority, while programmes involving additional commitments will be considered only after basic needs are met. The Akademi plans to distribute its books through bookshops and other outlets, with revised discounts and arrangements intended to generate revenue. It is also exploring a Festival of Kerala bringing together literature, theatre, music and dance.

The proposed festival could begin in Thrissur before moving to Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram, with support from other academies and government departments.