New panel to keep an eye on FTII, Gajendra Chauhan

The New Year seems to have brought a reason to cheer for the protesting students of Film and Television Institute of India (FTII)

The New Year seems to have brought a reason to cheer for the protesting students of Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). A new panel may be set up to supervise the functioning of the FTII. This panel is likely to look at various issues faced by students and the functioning of the FTII and its chairman. The students had been protesting the appointment of Gajendra Chauhan as chairman of the FTII since his appointment in June 2015.

Anupam Kher and Gajendra Chauhan

After announcing the formation of a panel to keep a watch on the CBFC, the government is in a mood for more reforms. “The government will soon announce the formation of a similar committee to watch over the functioning of FTII and its chairman, Gajendra Chauhan,” said Anupam Kher.

“A panel is required to look at all the aspects of students’ grievances. Everything will be looked into,” he said.

Lauding the efforts of the government in forming the panel for CBFC, Kher said, “I can’t think of anyone better than Shyam Benegal to head that panel. He is liberal and exposed to world cinema. This can only be described as a historic move,” he said.

When told that some filmmakers are skeptical about the announcement, he said, “Skeptics will always be there. But we must appreciate good work being done. The government is looking towards the future and the betterment of the industry,” he said.

He also added that political parties have always interfered with the functioning of the censor board. “I was the chief of the board in 2004 and I was shunted out soon after the UPA government came into rule. Sharmila Tagore was brought in my place,” he said.

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