New Delhi:
Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore today met several members of the Censor Board a day after leading film personalities had apprised him of their problems regarding the certification process.
Amidst reports that a number of film industry people had demanded the removal of Censor Board chief Pahlaj Nihalini, Rathore said his discussion with the industry personalities in Delhi yesterday was “issue-specific and not person-specific”.
Asked whether the current CBFC chief would be sacked, he said, “Let me make it very clear that yesterday’s discussion with the industry was issue-specific and not person-specific.
“We discussed ideas, suggestions and how to improve the process and I made it clear that the film certification process is so robust that no one person can change it.”
The CBFC said Rathore endorsed the idea of an all-India survey on important issues relating to the board by engaging a professional agency.
Four CBFC members - Ashoke Pandit, Vani Tripathi Tikkoo, Chandra Prakash Dwivedi and Mihir Bhuta - met the minister, sources said.
Chairperson Pahlaj Nihalani was not present in the meeting, they added.
The sources said the CBFC members, discussed various issues related to the board which has been mired in controversies since a list proscribing certain cuss words was circulated by its chairperson Nihalani.
The list was put on hold but the controversy has refused to die, with questions being raised over the manner cuts had been suggested in Anushka Sharma produced ‘NH 10’.
“During the meeting of some board members with MoS they shared their experiences and made various suggestions to improve the system of certification. Hon’ble minister assured them of his support in strengthening and streamlining the system including online system.
“He also outlined the need to have a regular forum of interaction of Board with the industry. He endorsed the idea to conduct an all India survey on important issues relating to CBFC by engaging a professional agency,” CBFC CEO Shravan Kumar told PTI when contacted.
