The government has decided to convert the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) into an International Media University, keeping up with the needs to upgrade the country’s premier media school into a global standard institution.
This year’s Union Budget has made monetary provisions for the upgradation, though it is not yet known how much of the Rs 7.23 crore earmarked for “research and training in mass communication” would be spent for the purpose.
Information and Broadcasting Minister P R Dasmunsi had earlier indicated about the plans to develop the Indian Institute of Mass Communication as an International Media University, reflecting the fast growth of India’s media sector.
The Budgetary provisions for the “research and training in mass communication” last time was Rs 5.99 crore, which means there is an increase of 1.24 crore this time. The funds under this head are meant to be spent on the Indian Institute of Mass Communication and the Research & Reference Division of the Information and Broadcasting  Ministry.
The Ministry is also planning to set up a National Centre for Excellence in Animation, Gaming & Special Effects to give fillip to these fast-growing sectors in the country, apart from a Global Film School by upgrading the Film & Television Institute of India.
This year’s Budget also has a special provision of Rs 99 crore earmarked for the 2010 Commonwealth Games, including the setting up of an International Broadcasting Centre.
Interestingly, several wings under the Information and Broadcasting  Ministry have got more-than-adequate attention after several years’ neglect. For example, the National Film Development Corporation received a huge allocation this time of Rs eight crore, up from just Rs ten lakh in the revised estimates of last year.
A sum of Rs three crore has also been allocated to set up an Electronic Media Monitoring Centre to keep a tab on the content on various TV channels.