The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday extended support to the cinema sector in India by approving to merge four film media units.
The units are Films Division of India, Directorate of Film Festivals, National Film Archive of India, and Children's Film Society. These bodies will be merged with National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC) by expanding the Memorandum of Articles of Association of NFDC, which will then carry out all the activities performed by them.
Confirming the development, Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar tweeted on Wednesday: "I thank PM @narendramodi's commitment to support the Indian film sector. Bringing @Films_Division, @nfdcindia, @CFSINDIAORG, @DFF_India & @NFAIOfficial into one body will ensure synergy & efficiency in the industry and take Indian cinema to even greater heights."
Members of the film industry lauded Centre's decision to merge film media units under National Film Development Corporation (NFDC). Celebs like Kangana Ranaut, Priyadarshan, Anil Sharma, Manoj Muntashir lauded the initiative. They termed it as a ‘historic’ decision and expressed confidence in it proving beneficial for the industry.
Kangana took to Twitter and wrote,"Convergence is the #NewNormal in M&E sector.@narendramodi govt's decision to merge NFAI, DFF, Films Division, CFSI & NFDC is a historic step & infuse enthusiasm. Wonderful decision, we look forward to working with the umbrella organisation. @PrakashJavdekar #MIBSynergy4Films"
Lyricist Manoj Muntashir wrote,"NFDC, NFAI, DFF, Films Division और CFSI का विलीनीकरण, @narendramodi जी की सरकार का अत्यंत सरहानीय निर्णय है।सूचना-प्रसारण मंत्री श्री @PrakashJavdekar जी अभिनंदन के पात्र है, इससे फिल्म इंडस्ट्री में समन्वय और तालमेल बढ़ेगा #MIBSynergy4Films"
Filmmaker Priyadarshan wrote,"Modijis govt decision to merge NFAI, DFF, Films Division, CFSI & NFDC is a welcome decision . Film industry looks forward to working with the umbrella organisation. #MIBSynergy4Films #OptimisingResourcesMIB"