Move with caution on digitisation issue: Par panel to I&B Min

A Parliamentary panel on IT today advised the Information & Broadcasting Ministry to move with caution on the digitisation issue by putting in place adequate safeguards in the policy to tackle anticipated "apprehension" with respect to service providers and price rise of channels.
"In view of the emerging scenario, the committee feels that the process of 100 per cent digitisation will not be smooth and there may be more problems in phase III and IV of digitisation," the Parliamentary Standing Committee said in its report tabled in Parliament.
As apprehensions have also been raised about the monopoly of a few set top box manufacturers in the digitisation process, it recommended incorporating in-built safeguards in the digitisation policy so as to "tackle this fear and security issues associated with the imported boxes".

It, however, appreciated the ministry's submission for providing 40 per cent reservation of the boxes for domestic manufacturers.
"The committee impresses upon the ministry to create a congenial atmosphere for MSOs, cable operators and broadcasters and have an overall friendly policy of domestic manufacturers.
IT further recommended the ministry to formulate a suitable policy and coordinate with the ministries concerned for mandatory security clearance of imported set top boxes immediately.
Noting that the I&B Ministry has set up a committee of experts headed by Justice Mukul Mudgal to look into issues related to functioning of Central Board of Film Certification, it nonetheless felt that there is an "urgent need" to relook at the Cinematograph Act.

"In view of the growing number of controversies relating to certification of films, the committee desires that the Ministry should impress upon the expert committee to examine the issue within a specific time-frame," it said.