Q:-Who among the following headed the committee to look into the functioning of the censor board –
A- Shri Goutam Ghose
B- Shri Kamal Hassan
C- Shri Shyam Benegal
D- Shri Pahlaj Nihalani.
Ans: ( c )
Related Facts:-
- On 26 April, 2016, Shyam Benegal-headed committee constituted by the Information and Broadcasting ministry to look into the functioning of the censor board submitted its report to I&B minister Arun Jaitley.
- The panel was set up on January 1 to take a relook at the functioning of the controversy-ridden board, headed by Pahlaj Nihalani.
- Objective of Committee is 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,
- Other members of the Committee are Shri Kamal Hassan, Shri Rakeysh Om Prakash Mehra, Shri Piyush Pandey, Shri Goutam Ghose, Ms. Bhawana Somaaya, Ms. Nina Lath Gupta, MD, NFDC and Shri K. Sanjay Murthy, Joint Secretary (Films) as Member-Convener.
- 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 is not in conformity with the provisions of Section 5B (1) of the Cinematograph Act, 1952.
- When content in a film go beyond the ceiling laid down in the highest category of certification.
- The applicant must notify the category of certification being asked by him and the target audience.
- The aim of these guidelines would be to ensure that –
- Children and adults must be protected from any 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.
Background- In most countries of the world there is a mechanism of certifying movies and documentaries. However it has to be ensured that in doing so, artistic creativity and freedom do not get stifled/curtailed and the people tasked with the work of certification understand these nuances. A whole lot of Indian films have enriched the cultural milieu of the country besides making astonishing advances in technical aspects of film making. Keeping this in view, a committee headed by Shri Shyam Benegal has been constituted to suggest the paradigm for ensuring such a milieu.
Reference…
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=142288
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=134099