Striking FTII students gear up for a 2nd strike

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As per reports, the newly appointed FTII society is likely to meet on July 13 in New Delhi to appoint a new director as the tenure of the present director, D J Narain, ends later this month.

Narain was appointed in 2011 for a three-year term and later given a one-year extension, which ends on July 18.

Students said it would be unfair on the part of the newly appointed society to make any fresh appointments since appointment of its own chairman and members is under dispute.

“We have been told that a meeting of the selection panel to appoint a new director will take place on July 13 as the term of the current director is set to end soon. Gajendra Chauhan will head the selection panel. When the credentials of Chauhan and five other members are in question and despite students’ agitation and support from various quarters, the government has refused to resolve the genuine issue, it would be unfair for such a panel to make any fresh appointments. We have resolved to keep opposing the appointment on the FTII society and any appointment made by this society, including that of the director,” said Ranjeet Nair, a spokesperson for the students’ body.

Students said the decision of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry (I&B) to go ahead and call a meeting of the selection panel was detrimental to the ongoing talks between the students and the parent ministry for the institute.

“This move hampers all efforts made to arrive at a meaningful solution to rightfully address our legitimate demands. Hence, we strongly voice our objection to this, and all moves of this kind in the future. We hope the government with immediate effect puts the current FTII Society in suspended animation till we mutually reach a solution,” Harishankar Nachimuthu, president of FTII Students’ Body, said.