New Delhi: The NDA government may curtail Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) chairperson Gajendra Chauhan's role to end the stir against the actor's contentious appointment.
Hindustan Times reported that government has told protesting students that Chauhan could continue to be chairperson of the institute's governing council that looks after infrastructure and policy matters.
It also stated that filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani could replace Chauhan as head of the council responsible for decisions on academics, including the ongoing revision of syllabus.
More than hundred students of the Pune based institution and several bigwigs from the industry have been protesting the government's selection.
According to them, Chauhan lacks the stature and vision to head the prestigious institution which is expected to give a direction to the Indian cinema. Students also alleged that Chauhan's appointment was done because of his political leanings.
Chauhan, who is best known for his portrayal of the eldest pandava Yudhishthira in the Mahabharat, was appointed on June 9 as chairman of the governing council of FTII and President of FTII Society by the I&B ministry.
FTII students don't pay any fee after the completion of three years but can avail all facilities for free until they complete their projects. The government spends about Rs 12 lakh per student every year.
Last week, the SM Khan Committee submitted its much awaited report to the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting after holding talks with agitating students and faculty.
FTII Students' Association (FSA) said that it has not received any response from the ministry to the latest letter sent by it, requesting fresh round of talks to resolve the issue of reconstitution of the FTII body through a transparent appointment process.
