FTII students to continue strike, next meet on Oct 6

Talks between the ministry of information and broadcasting (I&B) and agitating students of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) on Thursday remained inconclusive even as both sides decided to meet again on October 6 in New Delhi to break the deadlock.

Talks between the ministry of information and broadcasting (I&B) and agitating students of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) on Thursday remained inconclusive even as both sides decided to meet again on October 6 in New Delhi to break the deadlock.

Students of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) putting up placards at Azad Maidan in Mumbai during their protest demanding removal of the institute chairman Gajendra Chauhan. (PTI)

But a major headway in the latest discussion was the students moving ahead from their in-principle demand of opposing the appointment of chairman Gajendra Chauhan to discussing his role and responsibilities.

According to a source, the ministry tried to convince students about the clear demarcation of responsibilities pertaining to governance and academics. But they sought clarity on the exact nature of Chauhan’s role. “While there is a difference of opinion on the role and responsibilities of the chairman, we see today’s talks as positive as both sides want to take the discussion forward,” Ranjit Nair, representative of FTII students’ association, told HT. He said the strike will continue till the crisis is not resolved.

K Sanjay Murthy, I&B joint secretary, led the ministerial delegation. The next round will be attended by Sunil Arora, secretary, I&B.