Central govt removes names of Indira Gandhi, Nargis Dutt from National Film Award category

NEW DELHI: As per new reform, the central government has decided to give an overhaul to the National Film Awards by retitling award names. According to a new suggestion, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and actress Nargis Dutt’s names will be removed from the award.

The Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration is one of the National Film Awards presented annually by the Directorate of Film Festivals. According to the notifications, the Indira Gandhi Award for Best Debut Film will also be retitled.

The Information and Communications Ministry has accepted the recommendations of the National Film Awards Committee, which also includes prominent director Priyadarshan.

Along with this reform, the committee has also decided to increase the prize money for the Dada Sahib Phalke Award. Per existing norms, the award comprises a Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) medallion, a shawl, and a cash prize of ₹1,000,000.