Question: Recently Shyam Benegal Committee submitted its report on Cinematograph Act/ Rules to Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting, Arun Jaitley. The committee was set up on-
(a) 1 February 2016
(b) 1 January 2016
(c) 25 January 2016
(d) 15 February 2016
Ans (b)
Related facts:
- On 29 April 2016 Shyam Benegal Committee submitted its report on Cinematograph Act/ Rules to Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting, Arun Jaitley.
- It may be recalled that the committee was set up on 1 January 2016.
- It was set up to lay down norms for film certification that take note of best practices in various parts of the world and give sufficient and adequate space for artistic and creative expression, lay down procedures and guidelines for the benefit of the CBFC Board to follow and examine staffing patterns with a view to recommending a framework that would provide efficient and transparent user friendly services.
- Following are the major highlights of the report –
- CBFC should only be a film certification body whose scope should be restricted to categorizing the suitability of the film to audience groups on the basis of age and maturity except in the following instances to refuse certification–
- When a film contains anything that contravenes the provisions of Section 5B (1) of the Cinematograph Act, 1952.
- When content in a film crosses the ceiling laid down in the highest category of certification.
- The applicant must specify the category of certification being sought and the target audience.
- The objective of these guidelines would be to ensure that –
- Children and adults are protected from potentially harmful or unsuitable content
- Audiences, particularly parents are empowered to make informed viewing decisions
- Artistic expression and creative freedom are not unduly curbed in the process of classification of films
- The process of certification by CBFC is responsive, at all times, to social change
- The certification by CBFC keeps within the rights and obligations as laid down in the Indian Constitution.
- The Highlights of the recommendations of the committee broadly cover the areas related to Film Certification Process and its simplification, Restructuring staffing pattern of Central & Regional censor advisory panels and Recertification of films for purposes of telecast on television and measures to preserve the identity of Indian Cinema.
- The committee has also made certain recommendations regarding the functioning of the board and has stated that the Board.
- This includes, Chairman should only play the role of a guiding mechanism for the CBFC, and not be involved in the day-to-day affairs of certification of films and
- The size of the Board should be compact with one member representing each Regional Office. Therefore, the total composition of the Board should not be more than nine members and one Chairman.
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