Centre to grant permission for Documentary channel:Dasmunshi

Mumbai, Feb 3 (UNI) Union Minister for Information, Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Priya Ranjan Dasmunshi today assured that the government will grant permission for an opening of a television channel, purely dedicated to Indian short films and documentaries in a week's time.

Speaking at the inaugural function of 10th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) for documentary, animation and short films at National Centre for Performing Arts here, he said the government is keen to have an Indian documentary channel like those of other foreign channels, if any media company takes the initiative and promised every possible help from the government's end.

''Efforts are also being taken to find a slot for documentaries and Indian classical music in Doordarshan, if sponsors agree to it,'' Mr Dasmunshi said.

Earlier, noted director and chairman of Indian Documentary Producers Association (IDPA) Jahnu Barua expressed dissatisfation and anger over the fact that Indian documentaries and short films have always been neglected and demanded the government's intervention in making it more accessible to the public.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, who was the chief guest on the occasion, lauded the efforts of Films Division in organising such a huge festival of international repute and congratulated the organisers for its growing popularity.

Meanwhile, the weeklong festival started here, at NCPA with a host of dignitaries including State Cultural Affairs Minister Ashok Chavan, cine star Vidya Balan, director Jabbar Patel and others present on the occasion.

UNI DB AA/SSS PJ HT2209