New Delhi, Dec 23 (IANS) The revamped expert panel set up to raise the profile of the National Film Awards Wednesday selected noted film director Shyam Benegal as its chairman and decided to submit its recommendations by March 15.
Speaking to members of the expert committee, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni stressed the need for a time schedule to hold the National Film Awards in a democratic manner.

Every effort should be made to ensure that by following proper, democratic, transparent procedure, litigation is minimised so as not to derail the schedule as in the recent past, Soni told the expert panel after its maiden meeting.

The members suggested that in view of technological advancements, more categories in the Awards, recognising newer professional fields, newer formats such as digital format and newer media, should be recognised, the information and broadcasting ministry said in a statement.

The members also suggested that a two-tier regional and national level jury be appointed to do justice to the language nuances and regional significance of the films.

Earlier this month, the information and broadcasting ministry had set up two panels comprising eminent film personalities to raise the profile of the NFA and upgrade International Film Festival of India (IFFI) to the status enjoyed by the Cannes and Berlin shows.

The expert committee for NFA comprises filmmakers, actors and film personalities like Shyam Benegal, Mohan Agashe, Sai Paranjpye, Sharmila Tagore, Waheeda Rehman, Ashok Vishwanathan, Vishal Bhardwaj, Nagesh Kukunoor and Jahnu Barua.

The panel will make recommendations for upgradation of NFA for feature, non-feature and best writing on cinema and the Dada Saheb Phalke Award and explore the changes in the regulations governing these awards by March 15.