**Executive Summary**
On April 4, 2026, Shri Chanchal Kumar, the Secretary of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, conducted his first official visit to key media institutions in Pune, including FTII, NFDC-NFAI, and the Doordarshan Centre. The visit served to review facilities, assess the progress of the National Film Heritage Mission, and emphasize the media sector's role in India's economy. Key focus areas included the transition of FTII into a university and the promotion of entrepreneurship and innovation in film education.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Institutional Reviews and Campus Tours**
* The Secretary visited the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), reviewing the new theatre complex, camera store, library, and academic departments.
* At the National Film Development Corporation–National Film Archive of India (NFDC–NFAI), the Secretary inspected the projection room, theatre, vaults, and the Phase II facility.
* A review of the Doordarshan Centre, Pune, was conducted, focusing on production facilities, content creation, and outreach strategies.
**National Film Heritage Mission (NFHM)**
* The Secretary specifically reviewed the progress of digitisation work currently underway in Phase II of the NFHM at the NFDC-NFAI campus.
**Strategic Directives for Media Education**
* Emphasis was placed on using film and digital media to showcase India's cultural heritage.
* The Secretary highlighted the media and entertainment sector’s growing economic importance.
* Institutions were urged to move beyond traditional education to foster innovation, skill development, and entrepreneurship among students.
**Evolution of FTII**
* FTII has recently transitioned into a university, a move intended to expand its academic offerings and improve engagement with the evolving media landscape.
**Impact Analysis**
**Film and Television Institute of India (FTII)**
**Impact**
FTII has recently gained university status, necessitating a broader academic scope and a shift toward fostering industry-ready skills and innovation.
**Action Required**
The institute must expand its academic offerings and implement programs that encourage entrepreneurship and high-quality production among its students.
**National Film Development Corporation–National Film Archive of India (NFDC–NFAI)**
**Impact**
The institution is central to the National Film Heritage Mission, with significant digitisation work in progress.
**Action Required**
Management must ensure the timely and effective completion of Phase II digitisation work and maintain state-of-the-art archival facilities.
**Doordarshan Centre, Pune**
**Impact**
The centre is under review for its efficiency in content production and its ability to reach audiences.
**Action Required**
Officials must enhance program production facilities and refine strategies for content creation and outreach.
**Students and Young Talent**
**Impact**
There is an increased governmental focus on their role as future entrepreneurs and creators of high-quality digital and film content.
**Action Required**
Students are encouraged to focus on skill development and innovation to contribute to the media and entertainment economy.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting: The primary government ministry responsible for policy formulation and oversight of the media, film, and broadcasting sectors in India.
National Film Heritage Mission (NFHM): A major government initiative focused on the large-scale digitization and preservation of India’s cinematic heritage.
Film and Television Institute of India (FTII): A premier media education institute that has recently transitioned into a university to expand its academic scope and foster innovation in the film industry.
National Film Development Corporation – National Film Archive of India (NFDC–NFAI): The central body responsible for preserving Indian cinema and managing the National Film Archive, currently implementing digitisation projects under the NFHM.
Shri Chanchal Kumar: Secretary of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting who conducted the review of national film and media institutions to assess infrastructure and skill development.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
visits FTII, NFDC–NFAI and Doordarshan Centre,
Pune
Posted On: 04 APR 2026 7:29PM by PIB Mumbai
Pune, 4 April 2026
Shri Chanchal Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India,
visited the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), National Film Development Corporation–
National Film Archive of India (NFDC–NFAI), and Doordarshan Centre, Pune, today. This marks
his first visit to these institutions since assuming office on 1st April 2026.
During the visit, Shri Kumar reviewed the activities of FTII and undertook a comprehensive tour
of the campus. He was accorded a warm welcome by Shri Dhiraj Singh, Vice Chancellor, FTII,
and Shri Prakash Magdum, Managing Director, NFDC.
The Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, visited key facilities at FTII, including
the new theatre complex, camera store, library, academic departments, and studios. Senior
faculty members briefed him on the institute’s state-of-the-art equipment and academic
infrastructure.
On the occasion, Shri Chanchal Kumar emphasised the critical role of film and digital media
education in effectively showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage across diverse platforms. He
highlighted the growing importance of the media and entertainment sector in the country’s
economy and urged institutions like FTII to play a greater role in fostering innovation and skill
development among students.He further noted that such institutions should encourage young talent not only to create high-
quality films and television programmes, but also to promote entrepreneurship in the film and
media industry.
The visit holds added significance as FTII, Pune, has recently transitioned into its new role as a
university, aiming to expand academic offerings and strengthen engagement with the evolving
media and entertainment landscape.
The Secretary also visited the NFDC–NFAI campuses in Pune. He toured the projection room,
theatre, vaults and library, and also visited the Phase II facility, where digitisation work under
the National Film Heritage Mission (NFHM) is currently in progress.
At the Doordarshan Centre, Pune, he reviewed the functioning of the centre and its programme
production facilities, and interacted with officials regarding content creation and outreach.* * *
PIB Pune | Harshal Akude/Darshana Rane
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