The government is in the process of finalising the changes in the Cinematograph Bill that had more than 50 years ago spelt out the guidelines
I&B ministry finetuning Bill; may seek to set up National Board of Television Programmes
The government is in the process of finalising the changes in the Cinematograph Bill that had more than 50 years ago spelt out the guidelines for certifying films as `A’, `U’ and `U/A’.
Although the Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill was scheduled to be introduced in the ongoing Parliament session, it is learnt that it is still being finetuned. The new Bill would focus on programmes on television, besides exhibition of films.
An information & broadcasting (I&B) ministry official told DNA Money, “The Bill is not ready yet. We are in inter-ministerial consultation with the ministries of law and home on the Bill.”
In 2006, the Bill was withdrawn from the Rajya Sabha citing a Parliamentary Standing Committee report.
The revised Bill is expected to be more specific about certification of films and programmes on television, as the number of TV channels beaming into Indian homes has grown to around 400. Also, TV channels are being transmitted through various technologies and platforms-cable, direct-to-home (satellite), IPTV (internet protocol television) among others. Total TV households in India have crossed 135 million, of which 75 million are cable and satellite homes alone.
According to the Cinematograph Act, only movies certified by the Central Board of Film Certification can be exhibited publicly. But, it is likely that the new rules may say that all provisions relating to films in the Act must apply to programmes telecast on TV as well.
With respect to films, the new rulebook could be even more stringent in terms of content. It may also seek to set up a National Board of Television Programmes.
Recently, I&B secretary Sushma Singh had pointed out that action would be taken against those showing non-certified movies at private film festivals, unless they acquire exemption of mandatory certification from the ministry. TV channels would also need to follow the same norms.
m_nivedita@dnaindia.net
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