The information and broadcasting ministry of the government of India has decided to merge four of its film units — the Films Division, the Directorate of Film Festivals, the National Film Archives of India and the Children’s Film Society of India — with the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC).
'The merger of film media units under one corporation will lead to convergence of activities and resources and better coordination, thereby ensuring synergy and efficiency in achieving the mandate of each media unit,' a press release from the ministry said.
'The Union cabinet, which approved the merger of these media units, also approved the appointment of a transaction adviser and legal adviser to advise on the transfer of assets and employees and to oversee all aspects of operationalization of the merger,' the ministry added.
The ministry assured employees of all the units that no one would lose their jobs in the process of merger. 'While undertaking this exercise of convergence, interests of the employees of all the media units will be fully taken care and no employee will be retrenched,' the ministry's statement said.
About the functioning of the NFDC after the merger, it said, 'The umbrella organization, NFDC, consequent upon the merger of film media units, will be uniquely placed with regard to promotion, production and preservation of filmic content — all under one management. The vision of the new entity will be to ensure balanced and focused development of Indian cinema in all its genres — feature films, including films/content for OTT platforms, children’s content, animation, short films and documentaries.'