Mumbai: Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Ashwini Vaishnaw, visited the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) campus in Mumbai today, conducting an in-depth review of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and NFDC’s activities. The visit emphasized enhancing employment opportunities and preserving India’s cinematic legacy.
During the visit, Vaishnaw toured the National Museum of Indian Cinema, including the heritage building of Gulshan Mahal. The museum showcases the evolution of Indian cinema, from the silent film era to modern-day productions, highlighting the crucial role cinema plays in India’s cultural landscape.
Chairperson of the CBFC, Prasoon Joshi, briefed the Minister on recent initiatives in the film certification process and developments in the broader film industry.
Vaishnaw stressed the need for innovative plans to create high-quality, sustainable jobs within the film sector, focusing on making these initiatives commercially viable. He commended the collaborative work between NFDC and the National Film Archives of India (NFAI) in preserving India’s rich cinematic heritage. “Restoring and safeguarding films is vital to ensure future generations can learn from and enjoy these cultural treasures,” he noted.
The Minister also reviewed the progress of the National Centre of Excellence in Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC), highlighting its significance in the growing entertainment industry. He urged for industry-focused initiatives to boost the country’s competitiveness in animation and visual effects.
Present during the review were Director General of the Western Region of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Smita Vats Sharma, Managing Director of NFDC, Prithul Kumar, CBFC CEO Rajendra Singh, and other senior officials.
In a symbolic gesture, Vaishnaw planted a sapling at the NFDC premises as part of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative, underscoring the Ministry’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
