Award-winning filmmaker Shyam Benegal has been appointed as the head of a committee that will recommend a holistic framework for the Censor Board. The committee will also suggest changes in the Cinematograph Act, according to an official statement.
The new committee after Information and Broadcasting Minister Arun Jaitley hinted that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) will be controversy free.
A statement released on Friday said that the decision was in sync with Modi's vision to ensure an environment wherein "artistic creativity and freedom do not get stifled/curtailed and the people tasked with the work of certification understand these nuances."
"The recommendations of this committee are expected to provide a holistic framework and enable those tasked with the work of certification of films to discharge their responsibilities keeping in view this framework," the statement added.
The revamp body consists of six members, including filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, ad guru Piyush Pandey, veteran film journalist Bhawana Somaaya, National Film Development Corporation managing director Nina Lath Gupta, and the joint secretary (Films) Sanjay Murthy.
The revamp body is now expected to take note of the best practices that is followed across the world, especially where the film industry is given adequate space for creative and artistic expression. The committee will then recommend guidelines "under the provisions of the Cinematograph Act / Rules for the benefit of the chairperson and other members of the Screening Committee".
"The staffing pattern of CBFC would also be looked into in an effort to recommend a framework which would provide efficient / transparent user friendly services," the statement read.
