By Rupesh Samant

Porvorim, Aug 1: Goa Leader of Opposition Digambar Kamat on Thursday told the House that State government should take back rights of certain programmes of International Film Festival of India (IFFI) which are surrendered to Union Information and Broadcasting ministry.

Speaking during the Demands of Grants on the floor of the House for State Information Department, Kamat said that Goa had rights over at least five sections of IFFI programming, which was with the state during 2004 when the festival travelled to the coastal state.

“These rights were initially with Goa government but now the have been surrendered to I&B ministry,” the LoP said.

“At least we should have the right to show Goan movies. Goan talent should be promoted. During my tenure we had programming rights of five sections of IFFI. Today we don’t have a single section with us,” he pointed out.

Kamat also demanded that at least one performance by nationally famed Goan performers should be showcased during opening or closing ceremony of IFFI.

IFFI is held annually in Goa in the month of Novenber