'Panel set up for quick clearance of filmshooting permissions'

An inter-ministerial committee has been set up to provide domestic and foreign filmmakers with a single window system for speedy clearances to shoot in India, the government said today.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar in a written reply to Rajya Sabha said the committee will act as a facilitator for film production and shooting in India.
"To give impetus to film and tourism sector in India, an Inter-Ministerial Committee on Promotion and Facilitation of Film Production in India has been set up in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
"The committee is to act as a single window at the central level to facilitate permissions to foreign and domestic film makers for shooting feature films, short films and TV programmes in India," Javadekar said.

Replying to a question on the grievances of the film industry, he said they were mostly related to taxation issues including entertainment tax levied by state government and service tax levied by central government which have been duly forwarded to Finance Ministry for consideration.
Javadekar said his ministry has also appointed a committee under retired Chief Justice of Haryana and Punjab High Court Mukul Mudgal to suggest amendments to the Cinematograph Act.

"The committee has submitted a report and draft Cinematograph Bill," Javadekar said
He said that Section 5B of the Cinematograph Act, 1952 provides for principles for guidance in certifying films. Among others, it bars from certification of films which are against the interest of public order, decency or immorality.

"Guidelines for certification of films for public exhibition, laid down by notification dated December 6, 1991 further suggests scenes which are likely to face cuts such as scenes degrading or denigrating women in any manner, scenes involving sexual violence against women etc," he said.
In reply to a question with regard to vulgar songs being telecast on various TV channels, Javadekar said that action has been taken in 23 instances against TV channels for telecasting vulgar or obscene programmes during the last one year and the current year.