Context:
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has recently introduced the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, replacing the outdated 1983 rules. This update comes in line with the amendments made to the Cinematograph Act of 1952 by the Cinematograph (Amendment) Act, 2023. The amended legislation governs the certification, exhibition, and censorship of films in India, reflecting contemporary changes and addressing the evolving landscape of the film industry.
Relevance:
GS II: Polity and Governance
Dimensions of the Article:
- Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024
- Significance of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024
Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024
The Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, reflect a significant overhaul in the regulatory framework governing the certification and classification of films in India. Here’s a summary of the key aspects and changes introduced by these rules:
Objective:
- The rules aim to modernize and adapt to emerging technologies and advancements in the film sector, ensuring the certification process remains relevant, efficient, and transparent.
Key Features of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024:
Digital Transformation:
- The rules emphasize the adoption of complete digital processes to streamline film certification, reduce time-lines, and eliminate transactional delays, reflecting the industry’s shift towards digital platforms.
Accessibility Features:
- Films and feature films are mandated to incorporate accessibility features to make them inclusive for disabled persons, aligning with global standards and promoting inclusivity in cinema.
Age-Based Classification:
- The existing UA (Universal Adult) category has been restructured into three age-based categories: UA 7+, UA 13+, and UA 16+.
- These age-based markers serve as guidelines for parents or guardians to assess the suitability of films for children, facilitating age-appropriate content consumption.
Gender Representation:
- The rules stipulate greater representation of women in the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) Board and Advisory Panels, with one-third of the members in the Board and preferably half being women, promoting gender diversity and inclusivity in decision-making processes.
Priority Screening:
- A provision for priority screening of films has been introduced to expedite the certification process, catering to filmmakers facing urgent commitments related to film releases and ensuring timely certification.
Validity of Certificates:
- The restriction on the validity of certificates for only 10 years has been removed, ensuring the perpetual validity of certificates issued by the CBFC, providing filmmakers with greater flexibility and reducing administrative burdens.
Recertification for Television Broadcast:
- Edited films intended for television broadcast are required to undergo recertification, allowing only films with Unrestricted Public Exhibition category certification to be shown on television, ensuring compliance with broadcasting standards and promoting responsible content dissemination.
Significance of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024:
Recognition of Technological Advancements:
- The comprehensive revision of the rules recognizes and addresses the significant advancements in film technology over the past four decades, reflecting the industry’s evolution and adapting to the changing landscape of filmmaking and distribution platforms.
Alignment with Audience Demographics:
- The rules acknowledge the evolving audience demographics and preferences, catering to a diverse and global audience by promoting inclusivity, accessibility, and age-appropriate content consumption, reflecting the industry’s commitment to engaging and resonating with audiences across different age groups and backgrounds.
Promotion of Global Competitiveness:
- By aligning with international standards and best practices, the rules enhance the global competitiveness of the Indian film industry, fostering collaboration, and facilitating international distribution and recognition, positioning Indian cinema on the global stage and attracting global audiences and investments.
Empowerment and Safeguarding Stakeholder Interests:
- The rules empower and safeguard the interests of diverse stakeholders, including filmmakers, audiences, and certification bodies, by promoting transparency, accountability, and stakeholder collaboration, ensuring a conducive environment for creative expression, responsible content creation, and sustainable industry growth.
Facilitation of Industry Growth and Innovation:
- By addressing the regulatory challenges and promoting a conducive regulatory environment, the rules facilitate industry growth, innovation, and investment, encouraging the production of diverse, high-quality content, fostering talent development, and driving economic growth and job creation in the film sector.
