NFDC in Crisis: Corrupt Leadership Driving It to Ruin
– Corruption, Nepotism & Mismanagement Exposed
– NFDC is heading toward destruction due to a corrupt MD and GM
Unmesh Gujarathi
Sprouts News Exclusive
The Sprouts Investigation Team, led by senior journalist Unmesh Gujarathi, has conducted an in-depth investigation into the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), uncovering serious allegations of corruption, mismanagement, and favoritism. According to exclusive findings by Sprouts News, NFDC’s leadership, under Managing Director Prithul Kumar and General Manager D. Ramakrishnan, has been embroiled in financial irregularities, questionable recruitment practices, and misuse of public funds. The detailed report by Sprouts News reveals how internal governance failures and political connections have allowed unchecked corruption to thrive, raising serious concerns about the institution’s future.
• NFDC’s Foreign Travel Practices Under Scrutiny
NFDC is facing accusations of favoritism and lack of transparency in its foreign travel policies. Investigations indicate that select contractual employees closely associated with the MD and GM have been given repeated opportunities for international trips, while senior officers recruited through civil services are systematically sidelined.
Names such as Gauri Nair, Jayita Ghosh, and Tanmay Shankar have emerged as frequent travelers, prompting questions about selection criteria and accountability. Furthermore, both the MD and GM have undertaken multiple foreign trips without submitting reports detailing the implementation of insights gained. This raises concerns about the misuse of public funds and the actual benefits these travels provide to NFDC.
• NFDC Leadership Under Fire for Financial Mismanagement
NFDC’s financial mismanagement has been further highlighted by the controversial promotion of General Manager D. Ramakrishnan. Despite facing penalties under NFDC service rules, including the withholding of two increments, Ramakrishnan was elevated to a senior position. Previous inquiries, including a CBI case and internal fraud investigations into Dearness Allowance (DA) and Travelling Allowance (TA) scams, were overlooked due to his alleged political connections.
Adding to the financial irregularities, a stolen SC-Christie Solaris CP2210 projector (serial number 28468900) was found installed at NFDC’s premises, originally reported missing from an Ahmedabad theater. This shocking revelation exposes the complete lack of oversight and accountability within NFDC’s management.
• Controversial Appointments: Unqualified Leadership at NFDC
The appointment of Prithul Kumar as NFDC’s Managing Director has sparked debates about his lack of experience in the film industry. A 2000-batch Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) officer, Kumar was handed the additional charge of NFDC while serving as Joint Secretary (Films) in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Critics argue that his railway sector background is irrelevant to the demands of leading a premier film institution, raising suspicions about political favoritism.
Similarly, General Manager D. Ramakrishnan, who holds a Master of Science degree, lacks relevant expertise in personnel and administrative management. His qualifications are now under scrutiny, with many questioning how he was appointed to a leadership role despite his questionable track record.
• Allegations of Nepotism and Favoritism
Reports suggest that political connections played a significant role in the appointments of both Kumar and Ramakrishnan. Their selection has intensified calls for a transparent, merit-based process in NFDC’s leadership appointments. Stakeholders and industry experts are demanding immediate reforms to restore credibility, transparency, and accountability in NFDC’s functioning.
• WAVES Summit Under Shadow of Corruption
The upcoming WAVES Summit, co-hosted by the Maharashtra State Government, is now under scrutiny due to the involvement of Prithul Kumar and D. Ramakrishnan. Given their history of financial mismanagement, experts are urging authorities to closely monitor transactions and organizational decisions related to the event to prevent further corruption.
• NFDC’s ₹165 Ticket Pricing Scam
Despite widespread complaints from filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts, NFDC has refused to lower ticket prices from ₹165. The administration’s unwillingness to address these concerns suggests a disconnect between NFDC and the film community, potentially alienating audiences and damaging the organization’s reputation.
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• Questionable Recruitment Practices
Investigations by Sprouts News have uncovered serious irregularities in NFDC’s hiring process. Numerous contractual positions have been filled without proper advertisement or transparent selection criteria, sidelining qualified candidates. This favoritism has further fueled concerns about the organization’s commitment to fair employment practices.
• Urgent Need for Reform
The Sprouts Investigation Team has exposed deep-rooted corruption and mismanagement at NFDC, demanding immediate government intervention. Without swift action, NFDC risks losing its credibility and failing in its mission to support and develop Indian cinema. The revelations made by Sprouts News highlight the urgent need for strict oversight, accountability, and leadership reforms to salvage the institution before it collapses completely.