Chandigarh: Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu today said amid concerns about rising vulgarity in many Punjabi songs, a culture commission would be constituted to "eradicate the menace".  

During a meeting with the renowned intellectuals, litterateurs, artists and thinkers, he said Punjab Culture Commission would be formed which would "tackle the menace of vulgarity by working zealously towards its complete eradication".  

"The Punjab government is engaged in all seriousness to eradicate the menace of vulgarity from Punjabi cultural scene whether it is Punjabi songs or movies," the cultural affairs and tourism minister was quoted as saying in a release.  

Sidhu said the commission would recommend stringent action as per the provisions enshrined in the law against those singers or artists "polluting the cultural scene of the state through vulgar, double meaning or violence inciting songs".  

If needed, the commission would also be empowered to get an FIR registered against those indulging in vulgarity, he said, adding, on receiving a complaint, the panel would submit a report within two weeks which would be taken up with Chief Minister Amarinder Singh.  

The chief minister would be the patron-in-chief of the panel while the the cultural affairs minister would be the patron, Sidhu said. The responsibility of recommending the other members of the panel would be entrusted on Chairman Punjab Kala Parishad Surjit Patar, who would be the chairman of the commission, he said. PTI