Lok Sabha Question No. 882 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-07-23
Subject: Amendment to Cinematograph Act
Ministry: INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
Asked by: Sushil Kumar Singh, Vellalath Kochukrishnan Nair. Sreekandan, Dayanidhi Maran, Naranbhai Bhikhabhai Kachhadiya, Sudhakar Tukaram Shrangre, Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Dipsinh Shankarsinh Rathod, Nusrat Jahan Ruhi, Parbatbhai Savabhai Patel

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 882 TO BE ANSWERED ON 23.07.2021

## AMENDMENT TO CINEMATOGRAPH ACT

882:

SHRI SUSHIL KUMAR SINGH:

SHRI V.K. SREEKANDAN:

SHRI DAYANIDHI MARAN:

SHRI NARANBHAI KACHHADIYA:

SHRI SUDHAKAR TUKARAM SHRANGARE:

SHRIMATI RAKSHA NIKHIL KHADSE:

SHRI DIPSINH SHANKARSINH RATHOD:

SHRIMATI NUSRAT JAHAN RUHI:

SHRI PARBATBHAI SAVABHAI PATEL:

## Will the Minister of INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is planning to amend the Cinematograph Act and if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
- (b) whether  there  is  a  provision  of  re-examination  of  film  already  certified  by Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and if so, the details and objective thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has conducted consultations with industry representatives and civil society with regard to changes in draft Bill;
- (d) if so, the details thereof and response of the film fraternity thereon;
- (e) whether  the  Government  has  dissolved  the  Film  Certification  Appellate Tribunal (FCAT) and if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and
- (f)  the measures taken by the ministry to provide respite to individuals employed in  film  production  from  pandemic  induced  economic  difficulties  and  also provide affordable and accessible remedies to film makers?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AN BROADCASTING; AND MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS (SHRI ANURAG SINGH THAKUR)

(a) to (d): A review of the Cinematograph Act, 1952 was undertaken in the  Ministry  to  address  various  issues  concerning  the  certification process  and  film piracy. The  proposal  to amend  the  Act  is  at consultation stage and no final view has been formed. (e)  Yes,  Sir.  The  Film  Certificate  Appellate Tribunal  (FCAT) is one of the Tribunals/Appellate bodies abolished with the promulgation of The Tribunals reforms (Rationalisation and Conditions of Service) Ordinance,  2021  on  4th  April,  2021  to  streamline  the  tribunals  by abolishing certain tribunals and authorities and to provide a mechanism for filing  appeal  directly  to  the    commercial  court  or  the High Court. The functions of FCAT have been transferred to the High court. (f)  A  special  economic  and  comprehensive  package  called  Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan of more than Rs. 20 lakh crore, equivalent to 10%  of  India's  GDP  was  announced  by  the  Government  in  the  fight against COVID-19. Another relief package amounting to Rs. 6,28,993crore  was  announced  by  the  Government  in  June,  2021  to support  Indian  economy  in  fight  against  COVID-19  pandemic.  The measures  announced  under  the  relief package  aim  at  providing economic  relief  to  diverse  sectors  affected  by  pandemic  as  well  as provide impetus for growth and employment. Further,  issuance  of  Standing  Operating  Procedures  for  Film  and  TV shooting  and  the  opening  of  cinemas/theatres/multiplexes  along  with to other revenue  streams such as food and beverages subject safeguards of COVID-19 related protocols have helped the film sector.

***