PMO & NITI Aayog review autonomous bodies; 42 institutions including IIMC, FTII & SRFTI to be reduced

In a latest move, the government has decided to corporatise three major institutes - Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Delhi Public Library, and Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI). The decision has been taken after the completion of first phase of review of all existing autonomous institutions by Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and the NITI Aayog.

As part of the review of 679 existing autonomous institutions, the Centre is also considering the merger of Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) with either Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) or Jamia Millia Islamia.

As per media reports, the review of autonomous institutions which were formed under the Societies Registration Act started in January, 2017. Phase I of the review, led by PMO and the NITI Aayog, has covered 114 autonomous institutions which come under seven ministries or departments.

After the review, the government has decided to reduce 42 institutions. 24 of the 42 institutions reviewed under phase I will be clubbed under a common umbrella. Of the remaining 18 institutions, 11 bodies will be merged with other organisations, four will be closed, and three will be given a corporate makeover.

As per PMO officials, all the above-mentioned institutions which are being corporatised can become either independent companies or special purpose vehicles (SPV).

Other key recommendations given after phase I of the review programme include:

• Indian Council of Philosophical Research (ICPR), Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), and Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) to be merged with JNU.

• Children’s Film Society of India to be merged with Film’s Division.

• National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language to be merged with either Jamia Millia Islamia or Maulana Azad National Urdu University.

• National Council for Promotion of Sindhi Language to be merged with Central Institute of Indian Languages.

The NITI Aayog will start with phase II of the review programme at the end of June, 2017 which will cover the Societies Registration Act. Thereafter, phase III of the review programme will commence which will cover institutions found outside the ambit of Societies Registration Act.

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