New Delhi: The Central Government has approved the merger of four its films units-Films Division, Directorate of Film Festivals, National Film Archives of India, and Children’s Film Society, India with the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) Ltd. by expanding the Memorandum of Articles of Association of NFDC, which will then carry out all the activities hitherto performed by the units.

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Union Information and Broadcasting (I&B) minister Prakash Javadekar held a press conference on Wednesday (December 23) in which he said that the merger of the film units will ensure 'synergy and efficiency' in the film industry and also take Indian cinema to newer heights. He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his commitment towards supporting the film sector in the country.





Several Bollywood celebs including Kangana Ranaut, Anil Kapoor and Madhur Bhandarkar extended support to government's decision to merge the film bodies. Kangana expressed her excitement on working with the umbrella organization on social media.

"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," the 'Panga' actress wrote.



Anil Kapoor, who will be next seen in 'AK vs AK', tweeted, "I welcome the Govt’s decision to merge film media units of @MIB_India. These units have been the Champions of the Indian Film Industry. Their merger would bring efficiency and unleash new creative energies."



Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar wrote, "This is a huge initiative taken by MIB to bring about synergy in the films sector. This enables India to harness its soft power potential within the country & globally. A huge initiative under the guidance of Hon PM @narendramodi ji & Hon MIB @PrakashJavdekar ji."



Veteran director Subhash Ghai called it a 'historic step' and tweeted, "All the various Govt media institutions coming under one umbrella of INB ministry is great step to facilitate our film industry n artistes to approach to one entity than various individuals. Congratulations n thanx."



"The Union Cabinet, which approved the merger of these Media Units in its meeting, also approved the appointment of a Transaction Advisor and Legal Advisor to advise on the transfer of assets and employees and to oversee all aspects of operationalization of the merger," Press Information Bureau said in a statement.

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The Central Government has also approved revision in the guidelines for providing DTH services in India as license for the same will be now issued for 20 years.

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