Censor Board revamp: Shyam Benegal to head panel

New Delhi: After the Censor Board of Film Certification (CBFC) found itself in the midst of many controversies last year, the government has now decided to constitute a revamp panel, reportedly.

As per reports, noted filmmaker Shyam Benegal will be heading the revamp panel of Censor Board. Pahlaj Nihalani, who currently heads the CBFC, was criticised over some of his decisions taken in 2015. Other members in the revamp panel include Rakeysh Om Prakash Mehra, Piyush Pandey, Neena Raj Gupta and Bhawna Somaiya, reportedly.

The committee has been constituted for "holistic interpretation" of the provisions of the Cinematograph Act/ Rules, an official statement said. 

The decision has been taken in sync with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to suggest the paradign to ensure a milieu, wherein "artistic creativity and freedom do not get stifled or 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 other members of the committee include 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) in the information and broadcasting ministry as the Member Convenor. The committee has been asked to submit its recommendations within two months. 

The team would be expected to take note of the best practices in various parts of the world, especially where the film industry is given sufficient and adequate space for creative and aesthetic expression. The committee would recommend broad guidelines and procedures 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 Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), currently chaired by filmmaker Pahlaj Nihalani, would also be looked into in an effort to recommend a framework which would provide efficient and transparent user-friendly services. 

(With IANS inputs)