CBFC Rules: Three New Certifications Added
To address gender disparities in positions of decision-making, the new regulations require that at least one-third of CBFC Board members be women, with a preference for half. In addition, the regulations promote inclusion by including people with disabilities in the CBFC Advisory Panels, guaranteeing that a range of viewpoints are taken into account during certification. Three age-based classifications used to exist: A (adults only 18+), UA (12+), and U (universal).
Three new age-based film categories—UA 7+, UA 13+, and UA 16+—are included in the revised regulations to assist viewers in selecting content that is acceptable for their age. Since these categories are advisory, parents are free to choose what is best for their own children. The prior 10-year limit will no longer apply to CBFC certificates, which will henceforth have eternal validity. Furthermore, movies that have been altered for television broadcasting and do not fit under the Unrestricted Public Exhibition (U) category need to be recertified.