I&B Ministry
DAS Phase III: Only 62 MSOs sent requests for agreements with b’casters even as deadline looms
NEW DELHI: Even as the deadline for completing the third phase of Digital Addressable System (DAS) appears to be hovering over, only 62 multi system operators (MSOs) have so far approached broadcasters for finalising inter connect agreements.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) today again asked all registered MSOs to immediately send their requests to broadcasters for interconnection agreements on channels in Phase lll areas.
In case broadcasters do not respond to their requests, the MSOs have been asked to inform the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) immediately in this regard, with a copy to the MIB.
It was pointed out that the Ministry had, by an email of 6 April this year, advised all MSOs to send the copies of their communication with broadcasters regarding RlOs to TRAI for intervention.
But “it appears that some MSOs have either not approached broadcasters for channels or have not informed TRAl about their problem,” MIB said in its advisory.
According to Chapter ll of the Interconnection (Digital Addressable Cable System) Regulations 2012 issued by TRAI, MSO are required to send a request to the broadcasters for TV channels in DAS areas and on their requests broadcasters are required to send their Reference Interconnect Offer (RlO) to them within 60 days of receipt of such requests.
MSOs operating or planning to operate in Phase lll areas should have by now entered into interconnection agreements with the broadcasters, but the Ministry said “it is given to understand from the periodical reports submitted by the broadcasters to TRAI that only 62 MSOs have so far approached them for interconnection agreements for TV channels for phase lll areas.”
I&B Ministry
CBFC speeds up film certification; average approval time cut to 22 days
Over 71,900 films cleared in five years as digital system shortens approval timelines
MUMBAI: The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has significantly reduced the time taken to certify films, with the average approval timeline now down to 22 working days for feature films and just three days for short films.
Operating under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the statutory body certifies films for public exhibition in line with the Cinematograph Act, 1952 and the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024. The rules prescribe a maximum certification period of 48 working days, though the adoption of the Online Certification System has sharply accelerated the process.
Over the past five years, from 2020-21 to 2024-25, the board certified a total of 71,963 films across formats. Of these, the majority fell under the U category with 41,817 titles, followed by UA with 28,268 films and A with 1,878 films. No films were certified under the S category during the period.
Film approvals have also steadily risen in recent years. The CBFC cleared 8,299 films in 2020-21, a figure that peaked at 18,070 in 2022-23 before settling at 15,444 films in 2024-25. During the same period, 11,064 films were certified with cuts or modifications.
Despite the high volume of certifications, outright refusals remain rare. Only three films were denied certification over the last five years, with one refusal recorded in 2022-23 and two in 2024-25.
The board may recommend cuts or modifications if a film violates statutory parameters relating to the sovereignty and integrity of India, security of the state, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, decency or morality, defamation, contempt of court or incitement to an offence.
Filmmakers can challenge CBFC decisions in court. Data shows that such disputes remain limited but have seen some fluctuation. Between 2021 and 2025, a total of 21 certification decisions were challenged before High Courts, with the number rising to 10 cases in 2025.
Responding to a question in the Rajya Sabha, minister of state for information and broadcasting L. Murugan shared the data. The question was raised by Mallikarjun Kharge.
With faster timelines and a largely digital workflow, the certification process appears to be moving at a far brisker pace, signalling a shift towards quicker clearances for India’s growing film output.
