Srinagar, Mar 15: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, has announced the notification of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, in alignment with the Cinematograph (Amendment) Act, 2023.
These rules aim to revamp and contemporize the film certification process, ensuring transparency and efficiency. The Indian film industry, known for its prolific output of over 3,000 films annually in more than 40 languages, plays a pivotal role in promoting India’s soft power globally.
Prime Minister’s vision to position India as a content hub and the recognition of Indian cinema’s significant contribution to showcasing Indian culture and values worldwide have driven this overhaul.
The key highlights of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, include adoption of Online Certification processes to enhance transparency and ease of doing business, reduction in time-lines for film certification processing through digital processes, introduction of age-based certification categories (UA 7+, UA 13+, UA 16+) to ensure age-appropriate content, greater representation of women in the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) Board & Advisory Panels, system for Priority Screening of Films to expedite certification processes, perpetual Validity of Certificates for Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), and recertification of edited films for television broadcast, restricted to films with Unrestricted Public Exhibition category.
These regulations, introduced after almost 40 years of the last major amendment, reflect the Government’s commitment to adapting to the evolving landscape of the film industry. The revised rules are expected to facilitate a more efficient, transparent, and inclusive film certification process, supporting the growth and success of Indian cinema.
