Prabhav Naik flags transparency issues in ‘Bulbul Children’s Film Festival’
Margao: Madganvcho Awaaz and youth leader Prabhav Naik have sought clarity and accountability from the Department of Information and Publicity (DIP), Government of Goa, over the organisation and expenditure related to the Bulbul Children’s International Film Festival (BCIFF) 2026, citing concerns arising from Right to Information replies and official communications.
In a letter addressed to the Director of DIP on January 8, Mr. Naik said RTI information indicated that the work order for organising the first edition of the festival in 2024 was awarded to Antarang Productions, Margao, for ₹1.5 crore, allegedly without clear budgetary heads or adherence to codal procedures. He further noted that for the 2025 edition, only two agencies applied after bids were invited, and one of them, Vinsan Graphics, Vasco, was disqualified at the technical stage, leading to the opening of the financial bid of Antarang Productions.
Mr. Naik questioned the disqualification of Vinsan Graphics, pointing out that the agency had previously handled large public events, including state-level film festivals and national commemorative programmes. He also raised concerns of a potential conflict of interest, stating that office bearers of Antarang Productions were appointed as directors of BCIFF 2025, while allegedly managing the social media platforms of Margao MLA and PWD Minister Digambar Kamat.
The activist also drew attention to the escalation in expenditure, noting that the work order for BCIFF 2025 amounted to ₹2.93 crore, nearly double the cost of the 2024 edition, and sought a public explanation for the increase.
Referring to a curtain raiser event held on January 5, 2026, Mr. Naik said official social media posts by DIP claimed participation of over 550 attendees. In contrast, the seating capacity of Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, is approximately 275. He added that photographs released by the department appeared to show a limited presence of children, contrary to the claims made.
Among other issues, the letter seeks clarity on which department is the official organiser of the festival, the contractual framework governing its conduct, and whether the event has received recognition from any international film bodies while being described as an international festival.
Calling for greater transparency, Mr. Naik urged the department to place all relevant information in the public domain and ensure proper documentation and verification of participation and expenditure, given that public funds are being utilised.
