Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, has revealed plans to establish a regional facilitation office of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in Chandigarh. This move aims to create a conducive environment for filmmakers in the region and streamline the certification process. The announcement was made during the closing ceremony of the Chitra Bharati Film Festival in Chandigarh.
Minister Thakur emphasized the importance of empowering local filmmakers and providing them with a convenient platform to screen their films and submit necessary modifications. The establishment of the CBFC facilitation office in Chandigarh will eliminate the need for filmmakers to travel to Delhi or Mumbai for CBFC certification. This development is expected to significantly strengthen the Punjabi film industry.
In his address, Minister Thakur highlighted the growing recognition of India as a content hub, attracting international attention for both shooting and post-production endeavors. He emphasized that India’s indigenous content is gaining global recognition, showcasing the diverse narratives of our society. The Punjab region, in particular, holds immense potential in contributing to India’s cinematic heritage.
Minister Thakur also shed light on the government’s initiative to enhance accessibility for differently-abled individuals in cinemas. He mentioned forthcoming guidelines aimed at ensuring an inclusive cinematic experience for people with hearing and visual impairments. This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of empowering ‘Divyang’ citizens.
Addressing the issue of piracy, Shri Thakur highlighted recent amendments to the Cinematograph Act aimed at curbing piracy. Nodal officers will be designated across CBFC centers to combat digital piracy, ensuring swift action against copyright infringement. This step is crucial in safeguarding the interests of the film industry, which reportedly suffers an annual loss of Rs 20,000 crore due to piracy.
Minister Thakur commended the organizers of the Chitra Bharati Film Festival for their efforts in nurturing young talent and promoting cultural heritage through meaningful cinema. He expressed optimism about the global recognition of Indian films at leading international festivals in the future.
The establishment of the CBFC facilitation office in Chandigarh marks a significant stride towards bolstering regional filmmaking endeavors and fostering a vibrant cinematic ecosystem across the country. This development reflects the government’s commitment to nurturing creative expression and cultural diversity.
Overall, the announcement of the CBFC facilitation office in Chandigarh is a positive step towards supporting regional filmmakers and streamlining the certification process. It will provide convenience to filmmakers in the Punjab region and contribute to the growth of the Punjabi film industry. The government’s initiatives to enhance accessibility for differently-abled individuals and combat piracy further demonstrate their commitment to the film industry’s welfare and the promotion of Indian cinema on a global scale.