I&B ministry panel recommends bringing all autonomous film bodies under one umbrella

An experts committee formed by the informtion and broadcasting (I&B) ministry and headed by chie information commissioner and former I&B secretary Bimal Julka, has submitted its report on the performance of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) and the Children's Film Society of India (CFSI). 

The experts committee evaluated the institutes and recommended specific roadmaps for the development of the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), Films Division, CFSI, SRFTI, and FTII, along with the Directorate of Film Festivals and National Film Archives. 

The committee has also recommended unifying the different institutions under an umbrella configuration with four clear verticals. These verticals will be classified under production, festival, heritage, and knowledge. 

ANI quoted the report saying, "These verticals would be headed by professionals. The report reccomends the creation of the Film Promotion Fund to fund independent filmmakers for making commercial films."

The report also asked the ministry to appoint professionals to oversee this umbrella organisation, with bureaucrats providing assistance. I&B minister, Prakash Javadekar has assured of action on the report after due diligence and discussions with ministry officials.