FTII gets status of national importance

Film and Television Institute of India would be accorded status of Institute of national importance and it would now dole out Masters degrees to its students, in addition to opening the gates for expansion with respect to infrastructure and academics.

Finance minister Arun Jaitley announced that the government proposes to accord status of institute of National importance to FTII Pune and Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute Kolkata. Minister of state (independent charge) for information and broadcasting Prakash Javadekar during his recent visit to FTII had hinted the same.
While speaking to media persons FTII director D J Narain said that since FTII is apex institute in the country and is enjoying functional autonomy at present, it would have more opportunities both medium term and long term for expansion and more progress. He said that a course for film preservation could be started and the FTII could also be able to raise its own funds by studying the IITs and IIMs in the country so that it can remain the best institute in its field.
Narain said that at present out of 130 students who pass out every year from FTII some are from seven films related courses while the other are from four TV related courses. He said that the new status would provide them opportunity to pursue research abroad.