The Information and Broadcasting Ministry on Friday said that it had never interfered in the decision-making process of Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and rejected the charge that its head or any other member was coerced.
The Information and Broadcasting Ministry on Friday said that it had never interfered in the decision-making process of Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and rejected the charge that its head or any other member was coerced.
In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for I&B Rajyavardhan Rathore said that former CBFC chairperson Leela Samson had submitted her resignation alleging interference. He added that nine other members too had resigned.
He said that I&B Ministry has always respected the Board's decisions and never interfered in the decision-making process of the Board.
"There was no coercion on the Chairperson or any other member of CBFC by the ministry as alleged by them. At no point had the ministry communicated with the Chairperson or the Board members of CBFC relating to certification of any film," Rathore said in his reply.
He said that the legal system with regard to functioning of CBFC is well laid-out and it is Board alone which decides within its jurisdiction. Any aggrieved producer can move the Film Certification Apellate Tribunal (FCAT) in accordance with the Cinematograph Act.
"As far as the autonomy of the Board is concerned, there are adequate provisions in the existing Cinematograph Act and Rules," he added.
He also said that following Samson and other members' resignation, a new chairperson and ten members have been appointed.
Responding to another question, Rathore said that Department of Advertising and Visual Publicity (DACP), which releases government advertisements, has incurred an expenditure of Rs 1021.39 crore in 2013-14. The figure for expenditure in 2012-13 was Rs 654.11 crore while that for 2011-12 it was 581.07 crore, he added.
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