The government has approved the notification of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024 to comprehensively improve the film certification process. The key aspects are:
(1) Comprehensive revision of the rules to fully align it with the adoption of online certification processes.
(2) Adopting complete digital processes so as to eliminate all transactional time.
(3) Feature films to have accessibility features for certification to make it inclusive for disabled persons.
(4) Introduction of age-based categories of certification by sub-dividing the existing ‘UA’ (12+) category into three more age-based categories — UA 7+, UA 13+, and UA 16+. The age-based markers will be only recommendatory in nature.
(5) Greater representation of women in the CBFC Board and the CBFC’s advisory panels. It is stipulated that one-third of the members in the Board shall be women and preferably half shall be women.
(6) System for priority screening of films for expediting the certification process.
(7) Perpetual validity of CBFC certificates.
(8) Recertification of edited film for television broadcast.