The recent launch of Online Film Certification System of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) by Information and Broadcasting Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu, reasserts Modi Govt’s commitment to promote ‘Digital India’ and ‘Ease of Doing Business’.
- The online film certification system named ‘E-Cinepramaan’ will come into effect from 1st April 2017 replacing the earlier system of physical submission.
Objectives behind the launch of Online Film Certification System, E-Cinepramaan:
From statements given by Union Minister Mr. Naidu and CBFC CEO Mr. Anurag Srivastava, the objectives behind the launch of this system can be summarised as under:
- Enabling good governance through complete automation of the Film Certification Process.
- Curtailing the role of middlemen, promoting transparency and reducing corruption by eliminating the need for human interface to the maximum extent.
- Smoothening processes for both parties – CBFC as well as Applicants – through effective monitoring method and real-time status tracking system.
- Eventually the CBFC office will function in paperless mode.
- It is to be noted that Indian film industry has witnessed significant growth in recent years, with an increasing number of films releasing every year. This process will provide the much needed technological up gradation to cope up with the current day demands of a fast growing industry.
To sum it up in the words of Mr. Naidu, the objective behind launching E-Cinepramann is to ensure ‘Clean Cinema, Clean India’
Important Features of E-Cinepramaan:
- Under this system, Producers and CBFC officials will have an online dashboard wherein they can view the status of individual application.
- Producers of short films, promos or trailers of less than 10 minutes, can submit their creations online and are not required to visit the CBFC Office.
- Producers of films which are longer than 10 minutes will only be required to show the film at examination theatre. They will not be asked to visit CBFC office except to collect the certificate.
- During the entire process, the producers will be kept informed about their application status through SMS as well as email. They will also be informed as and when any action will be required from their end.
- The system will also generate alerts in case of pendency of the application, so that prescribed time limit for processes is not violated.
- To prevent any fraudulent activities pertaining to certificates, henceforth all certificates will bear a QR code.
- An effective MIS system will be put in place for the purpose of tracking performance and efficient reporting.
- A new user-friendly CBFC website has been created for providing easy access to important information.
Meanwhile, Mr, Naidu also mentioned that recommendations of Shyam Benegal and Mudgal panel related to film certification process were under consideration. The Govenrmnet will introduce necessary changes after considering the inputs from former I&B ministers and stakeholders from film and media industry.
Quick Facts about Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC):
- Formation Year: 1952
- Headquarters: Mumbai
- Works Under: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
- Current Chairperson of CBFC: Pahlaj Nihalani
- Current CEO of CBFC: Anurag Srivastava
