I&B Ministry
MIB asks media outlets to display logo of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’
Mumbai: The central government has directed print, electronic and digital media to display the logo of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ as part of the campaign to commemorate the completion of 75 years of Indian independence.
“Private media have consistently taken the lead in celebrating India’s patriotic spirit and national achievements. It is advised to use the logo during the period of celebrations so that citizens are made aware of India’s rich history and commitment towards a bright future,” said the union information and broadcasting ministry.
The ministry has asked print, electronic and digital media along with private TV channels to show the logo. The ‘Amrit Mahotsav’ campaign commenced on 12 March this year and will end on 15 August 2023. It celebrates the glorious history of our freedom struggle and journey of socio-cultural, political, and economic progress over the last 75 years.
There are various events and activities that are being undertaken by the central/state/union/territory government, civil society, and other organisations under five pillars: the freedom struggle, ideas @75, achievements @75, actions @75, and resolve @75.
The ministry said media platforms may consider displaying the official ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ logo during news programmes, reports, bulletins, especially while reporting on matters relating to 75 years of India’s independence so that viewers may be informed about the campaign and they take forward the spirit of ‘jan bhagidari’ (public participation) envisaged under the Mahotsav.
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.
