Cabinet approves merger of four government-run film and media units

Source: The Hindu

News: Cabinet has approved the merger of four government-run film and media units — the Films Division, the Directorate of Film Festivals, the National Film Archives of India and the autonomous body Children’s Film Society with the National Film Development Corporation(NFDC).

• Significance of Merger: 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.It will also lead to reduction in duplication of activities and direct savings to the exchequer

Facts:

• Films Division: It was established in 1948 and is the oldest of the four units created primarily to produce documentaries and news magazines as publicity for government programmes and to keep a cinematic record of Indian history.
• National Film Archives of India: It was established in 1964 with the primary objective of acquiring and preserving Indian cinematic heritage.
• Directorate of Film Festivals: It was set up in 1973 to promote Indian films and cultural exchange.
• Children’s Film Society: It is an autonomous body founded in 1955 with the specific objective of providing children and young people value-based entertainment through the medium of films.
• National Film Development Corporation of India(NFDC): It was established in 1975 to encourage high quality Indian cinema.
  • It functions under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India.
  • The primary goal of the NFDC is to plan, promote and organise an integrated and efficient development of the Indian Film Industry and foster excellence in cinema.
  • Headquarters: Mumbai