In a significant step towards strengthening gender representation and transparency in film certification, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has ensured 50 per cent participation of women in every Examining Committee and Revising Committee constituted for the certification of films.
In line with the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, which mandate at least one-third women members on the CBFC Board and its Advisory Panels, the move aims to reinforce inclusive decision-making even as the Board introduced modifications in QR code accessibility to enhance data security, system integrity and privacy compliance without affecting public access to essential certification information.
Responding to an unstarred question of Sagarika Ghose in the Rajya Sabha today, the Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. L. Murugan, said that the tenure of Board members is governed by the Cinematograph Act, 1952 and the rules made thereunder.
“Under Rule 3 of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, every member shall hold office during the pleasure of the Central Government for a period not exceeding three years, provided that the term of the members shall continue until new members are appointed in their place,” the minister said.
The minister further elaborated that the CBFC conducts its meetings with Board Members online. Since 2017, the certification workflow has been made predominantly digital through the e-Cinepramaan online certification platform, through which submission of applications, processing, and approvals are done online. The meetings of Examining and Revising Committees are held as required based on the volume of films submitted, ensuring timely certification.