FTII failed to use land for global film school in 30 years, shows RTI reply

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These plans, however, could not take off, the RTI reply says.

The report also observes that certain parts of the acquired land were used for other purposes. “… The purpose for which the land was acquired could not be achieved even after 30 years after its acquisition  and spending Rs 52.01  lakh. The acquired land is used for purposes other than intended for,” the report states. “While the institute has offered post-graduate and certificate television courses in direction, electronic cinematography, video editing, sound recording and screenplay writing, time it has not offered PG diploma courses under film section in direction, cinematography, editing, sound recording and sound design or two-year PG course in art direction and production, the courses which it is known for,” it says.

The institute, in its RTI reply, has stated that between 2010 and 2014, it did not conduct a certain course since four to five batches of different disciplines were running simultaneously.

Durve says these factors and lack of quality teachers due to low salaries and remuneration have led to students opting for private acting institutes. “This is nothing but government’s callousness which has led a premier institute like this into such controversies. It is neglecting some of the major issues and interfering in issues where it should not… In the past one decade, the institute management had lost transparency and accountability.”

Other irregularities between 2010-2015, as mentioned in the draft audit report, are about cash books,  non-settlement of huge advances paid to suppliers for equipment and services etc.

When contacted, FTII chairperson Gajendra Chauhan said, “These seem to be very serious issues.  However, it would be difficult for me to comment till I see the report myself.”