[icernet] Govt considering review of film censor guidelines

[Arul Selvan]

  Concerned over growing violence in films, Government today told the 
Rajya Sabha it was considering seeking a review of the guidelines of the 
Central Board of Film Certification.   Stating the government did not 
have much role to play and it was for the Censor Board to curb sex and 
violence in films, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ravi Shankar 
Prasad said during the Question Hour that last year the Censor Board cut 
as much as 12,000 metres of film reel in 942 Indian films.
        "May be, there is a requirement to review the guidelines of 
1991. I am thinking in these terms though the government does not come 
into picture," Prasad said while stating that there had to be a blend of 
both creativity and censor cuts. The freedom of expression should also 
be taken into consideration while undertaking any cuts in the films, the 
Minister said. The Censor Board also cut more than 1000 metres of 
foreign films during 2002, he said.
        Prasad said the consultative committee of the Central Board of 
film censor had at least two women members to monitor objectionable 
portions in films. If there is any uncalled for domestic violence in 
films, the consultative committee would deal with it, he said. In reply 
to another query, Prasad said if all the guidelines of 1991 were to be 
strictly implemented "then no films can be passed".

PTI
10/March/2003