Margao-based youth leader and Madganvcho Awaaz representative Prabhav Naik has raised sharp concerns over the organisation, credibility and utilisation of public funds for the Bulbul Children’s International Film Festival (BCIFF), including its earlier editions and the proposed BCIFF 2026, scheduled to be held in January.
Naik has asserted that public money cannot be disbursed on unverifiable claims and has demanded that the Department of Information and Publicity (DIP) make it mandatory for the agency hosting BCIFF 2026 to submit photographic and videographic evidence to substantiate its claims regarding events conducted, audience footfall, outreach and overall scope of work. He has categorically stated that no payments should be released unless full compliance is ensured and all claims are backed by verifiable visual documentation.
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Citing RTI disclosures, Naik said the first edition of BCIFF in 2024 was awarded to Antarang Productions, Margao, at a cost of ₹1.50 crore without following codal formalities and without a specific budget head. He further alleged that although bids were invited for BCIFF 2025, only two agencies applied and a technically experienced agency was disqualified, raising serious questions about transparency and fairness in the tendering process. Despite this, Antarang Productions was once again awarded the contract, he claimed.
Naik also flagged a possible conflict of interest, pointing out that office bearers of Antarang Productions were appointed as Directors of BCIFF 2025. He alleged that their proximity to a sitting Margao MLA and PWD Minister, including managing the minister’s political social media, has further deepened concerns of influence, favouritism and lack of institutional neutrality.
Questioning the expenditure for BCIFF 2025, which he said amounted to nearly ₹2.94 crore, Naik stated that the public has not been provided with any detailed and verifiable financial breakup to justify such spending. He also termed the DIP’s claims regarding participation and footfalls at BCIFF events as misleading and unverifiable.
Additionally, Naik has sought clarity on the basis on which BCIFF is being projected as an “International” Film Festival, questioning whether it has any recognised international accreditation.
Reiterating that accountability, transparency and documentary proof must be non-negotiable when it comes to the use of public funds, Naik said the government must answer these questions before proceeding with BCIFF 2026. Madganvcho Awaaz has also expressed apprehension that, based on past trends, the BCIFF 2026 budget could touch nearly ₹6 crore, making strict scrutiny and oversight essential before any approvals or payments are granted.
