Sprouts News Uncovers NFDC Scandal
• Favoritism and Flawed Hiring Revealed
• NFDC’s Governance Crisis Deepens
Unmesh Gujarathi
Sprouts News Exclusive
In this segment of our ongoing investigation, the Sprouts News Special Investigation Team (SIT) uncovers alarming findings regarding questionable recruitments at the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC). Several appointments have been made without public advertisement or a transparent selection process. Individuals appointed often have close personal ties to the General Manager and Managing Director, highlighting serious concerns about nepotism and misuse of authority. These backdoor entries expose a troubling pattern of favoritism within one of India’s key cultural institutions.
NFDC Scam: Questionable Appointments Undermine NFDC’s Integrity
• Tanmay Shankar – Head, Digital Growth:
This crucial post was never advertised. Shankar was directly nominated and appointed under the influence of MD Prithul Kumar, who allegedly sanctioned an inflated salary package. His previous involvement with BJP’s media operations raises concerns regarding political favoritism and potential conflict of interest.
• Ashwity Nair – Head, Master Class:
Despite lacking requisite qualifications, Nair was appointed by an unauthorized committee without any open call for applications. Sources from the Sprouts News Special Investigation Team (SIT) revealed her close association with GM D. Ramakrishnan as a decisive factor in her selection.
• Jayita Ghosh – Manager, Marketing & PR:
No advertisement or legitimate selection panel oversaw her appointment. Insiders allege that her relationship with MD Prithul Kumar facilitated her backdoor entry into NFDC.
NFDC Recruitment Scam; Widening Gaps in Governance and Financial Accountability
• Ritesh Taksande – Senior Manager, IFP:
Taksande’s appointment lacked a public notification, handled by an unauthorized committee. He was recently transferred to Pune, despite the absence of active production work, and faces allegations of involvement in financial irregularities.
Sonal Mathur – Head, Skill Development, International Promotions and Special Projects:
Mathur’s recruitment violated standard HR protocols, conducted without a transparent process by an internal committee acting beyond its authority.
• N.V. Sai Bharath Singamshetty – Head, IT:
Despite having only a BSc in Computer Science, he was appointed to a role requiring a B.Tech qualification, bypassing standard criteria and proper authorization.
• S.H. Shetty – Senior Executive, HR:
At over 75 years, Shetty’s appointment clearly breaches government norms limiting service age to 65. His historic association with GM Ramakrishnan and alleged concealment of audit discrepancies heighten suspicions of unethical practices.
NFDC Scam; Institutional Neglect at NFAI
Sprouts News Special Investigation Team (SIT) also observed glaring lapses at the National Film Archive of India (NFAI). Despite the technical demands of digitalisation and restoration projects, no qualified senior personnel were appointed. Junior technical staff have been assigned critical tasks, reportedly to obscure financial irregularities in high-budget initiatives.
NFDC Scam: Alarming Financial Scams at MIFF and IFFI
Serious financial misconduct has been reported in organizing the Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) and the International Film Festival of India (IFFI). Previously managed efficiently under the Film Division, the festivals now see budget surges of over 400% since their transfer to NFDC’s control.
Under the leadership of GM D. Ramakrishnan and MD Prithul Kumar, such hikes are unprecedented. According to Sprouts News Special Investigation Team’s (SIT) sources in the Ministry, an official inquiry is underway. Investigators are focused on uncovering how the escalation in costs aligns with allegations of financial impropriety.
Also Read: Adani vs Dharavi: Residents Rise Against Evictions.
NDFC Scam: Irregularities in Film Production Department
The NFDC, once a champion of parallel cinema and Indian new wave cinema, has been marred by corruption in recent years. The process of granting funds has become unfair, with favoritism and rule-bending prevalent. Deserving producers are being denied funding, while others receive support without adhering to proper guidelines.
This situation is alarming and undermines the legacy of NFDC's production department. The current team seems ill-equipped to uphold the standards and values that NFDC has historically represented.
NFDC Scam: Major Reforms Expected at NFDC Amid Rising Scrutiny:
In response to the explosive revelations published by Sprouts News, significant administrative changes are imminent at NFDC. A new Managing Director is expected to take charge soon. Prakash Magdum, a senior Indian Information Service (IIS) officer from the 1999 batch, is reportedly the leading candidate.
Magdum’s reputation for transparency and accountability offers hope for restoring trust within the NFDC. His appointment is seen as a crucial step toward reinforcing governance, aligning with broader reforms needed public institutions.
