Anurag Singh Thakur To Set Up Film Certification Facilitation Office In Chandigarh

Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, revealed plans for a new office of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in Chandigarh. This move aims to support filmmakers in the region by making the process of obtaining film certification more convenient.

Easing Filmmaking Processes

At the closing ceremony of the Chitra Bharati Film Festival in Chandigarh, Shri Thakur highlighted that filmmakers in the region will now have access to screening their films and submitting necessary edits or changes without the need to travel to Delhi or Mumbai. This decision is expected to benefit the Punjabi film industry significantly.

Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) operates as a statutory body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. Its mandate involves overseeing the public screening of films in accordance with the Cinematograph Act 1952, which sets forth rigorous certification procedures for commercial films shown in public spaces. Films distributed in cinemas and on television must undergo board certification before public exhibition in India, often requiring editing to comply with regulatory standards.

Making Films Accessible for Everyone

The Minister also discussed the government’s initiative to enhance accessibility to cinemas for differently-abled individuals. A new guideline is being developed to ensure that people with hearing and visual impairments can enjoy movies like everyone else. This aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of equal opportunities for all citizens.

Combatting Piracy

Shri Thakur addressed the issue of film piracy, stating that significant changes have been made to the Cinematograph Act to tackle this problem. Special nodal officers are being appointed across CBFC centers to address piracy complaints swiftly. Piracy not only affects the film industry but also poses a threat globally, with reports indicating an annual loss of Rs 20,000 crore.