I&B Ministry
I&B min seeks ideas on FM phase II implementation
MUMBAI: The Radio Broadcast Policy committee, set up by the ministry of information and broadcasting (I&B) to formulate policy to govern the opening up of phase II of FM broadcast in the country, has invited suggestions on the same.
In an advertisement issued in leading dailies this morning, the committee has asked for suggestions or comments regarding the modalities and procedural issues pertaining to the implementation of the second phase of private FM participation.
The committee, set up by the I&B ministry has to submit its report by 30 September. The terms of reference of the panel, inter alia, will determine a transparent and effective bidding/ auction process to be adopted for allotment of frequencies; assessment of a viable license fee structure for various cities; and suggestions regarding extent of foreign equity participation to make the business more viable.
The current crop of players in the private FM arena have expressed their bitterness at the licencing system and are pressing for a business-friendly revenue sharing model. While the government has resisted the change (so far) to a different model, the Radio Broadcast Policy Committee has met the FM players in the city recently to take cognizance of their demands.
The committee has now asked for suggestions to be sent to it within 10 days, in order to consider the same before the 30 September deadline.
Also read:
Govt constitutes a committee for FM second phase
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:Â 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.
