The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has decided to shut down all the branches of the Films Division, National Film Archive of India and Children’s Film Society of India before the end of January, as per media reports.
In December 2020, the central government approved the merger of the above-mentioned organizations together with the Directorate of Film Festivals into the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), which will be responsible for the promotions, productions and preservation of filmic content under one management.
Reportedly the statement from the ministry had said that the merger of film media units under one corporation will lead to convergence of activities and resources and better coordination, which will ensure the synergy and efficiency in achieving the mandate of each media unit.
As per media reports, the I&B ministry has written to these organizations on December 9, asking them to prepare an elaborated action plan for the closure of the branch offices.
Reportedly this action by the government can impact 400 employees of these bodies in Delhi, Mumbai and Pune and other cities.