CBFC issues a new rule, including more representation of women and introduction of age-related categories

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has notified the new amendments in the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024 in response to the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 1983. Read on.

New Delhi: The government has taken steps to address the concerns of filmmakers and audiences about the activities of the film industry Central Board for Film Certification. This action was taken in accordance with the Cinematograph (Amendment) Act, 2023. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has notified the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, which replaces the previous Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 1983. This move aims to bring about changes and improvements in the certification process for films in India. Read more.

Measures taken by the Central Board of Film Certification

The government has taken steps to address the concerns of filmmakers and audiences regarding the activities of the Central Board of Film Certification. This action was taken in accordance with the Cinematograph (Amendment) Act, 2023. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has notified the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, which replaces the previous Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 1983. This move aims to bring about changes and improvements in the certification process for films in India.

CBFC splits film categories into different age groups

The film certification system categorizes films into different age groups to ensure an appropriate viewing experience for audiences. The categories are as follows:

1. A – This certification applies to films that are suitable for adults only.
2. UA – Films in this category require parental guidance for children under 12. This category is now further divided into three age-based subcategories: – UA 7: Films suitable for children over 7 years old.
   – UA 13: Films suitable for children aged 13 and over.
   – UA 16: Films suitable for children aged 16 and over.
3. U – Films in this category are suitable for unlimited public viewing, meaning audiences of all ages can view them. These certifications are intended to help viewers, especially parents, make informed decisions about the suitability of films for different age groups.

How will CBFC’s new regulations help expand the film industry?

The new regulations enable faster processing of film certification by implementing fully digital processes, reducing transaction time. For ease of doing business, a ‘priority screening’ provision has been introduced to expedite certification in urgent cases due to previous film release commitments. This will increase transparency and remove any biases.

The new rules regarding the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) are aimed at providing greater representation and access to women and disabled people. In an effort to promote diversity, the rules stipulate that one-third of CBFC board members should be women, and ideally half of the members should be women. This initiative is important as it aims to address the underrepresentation of women in decision-making roles within the film certification process.

CBFC on inclusion of disabled people in advisory panels

Furthermore, the rules also emphasize the importance of including disabled persons on CBFC advisory panels, signaling a commitment to ensuring that diverse perspectives and experiences are taken into account in the film certification process. This move towards inclusivity is a positive step towards creating a more representative and equitable film industry. The regulations now allow perpetual validity of CBFC certificates, removing the previous restriction of only ten years of validity. The release also stated that recertification of edited films for television broadcast is necessary as only films in the Unrestricted Public Exhibition (U) category can be shown on television.