The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is considering a relook at the ongoing film certification process by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to ensure more transparency. Top priority is being given to begin the process of e-certification of films.
The Ministry is also expected to fast-track the Mudgal Committee recommendations that suggest greater scrutiny of selection panel members. It says that CBFC members must be qualified in the field of art, cinema, drama, law, literature, history, sociology, psychology, media education, performing arts and public administration. This proposed revamping of CBFC comes in the wake of suspension of its Chief Executive Officer Rakesh Kumar, who was arrested by the CBI on Tuesday for allegedly accepting a bribe . The corruption scam had been detected by the Anti-Corruption Bureau in Mumbai. The Ministry has suspended Kumar.
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar said corruption will not be tolerated, and hence, Kumar has been suspended. “We have taken very seriously the incidence of bribery in the Censor Board. Corruption has no place in our Government and we will earnestly go ahead with our cleaning drive.” He said that monitoring mechanisms will be made more strict and the processes more transparent. The Minister also said that the key positions within the CBFC which are vacant will be filled with suitable professionals. “We will induct people with professional experience and integrity”, he stressed adding that ministry is seriously contemplating on how the new processes can be incorporated in the system and implemented.
Kumar was arrested in Mumbai for allegedly demanding Rs70,000 as bribe for clearing a regional movie Mor Dauki Ke Bihav from Chhattisgarh.