I&B Ministry
MIB asks states to ensure operational continuity of media amid Covid-19 outbreak
MUMBAI: In view of the coronavirus pandemic, the ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB) has directed all state governments and union territories to ensure uninterrupted operation of information networks as their outreach is of vital importance.
At this juncture, robust and essential information dissemination networks such as TV channels, news agencies, teleport operators, digital satellite news gathering (DSNG), DTH, and Highend-in-the Sky (HITS), MSOs, cable operators, FM radio and Community Radio Stations (CRSs) are of utmost importance to ensure timely and authentic information dissemination. The proper functioning of these networks is required not only to create awareness among people and to give important messages but also to keep the nation updated of the latest status.
The MIB also said in the press release that false and fake news need to be avoided and good practices need to be promoted and these networks play a pivotal role in ensuring the same.
The critical infrastructure in this case include:
(a) Printing presses and distribution infrastructure of newspapers and
magazines;
(b)All TV channels and supporting services like teleports and DSNGs;
(c) DTH/HITS operations connected equipment /facilities, etc. including
maintenance;
(d) FM/CRS networks;
(e)Networks of MSOs and cable operators; and
(f) News agencies.
In order to ensure continuity of these services, MIB requested state
Governments and union territory administrations to facilitate operational
convenience of the above-mentioned services.
It also requested the keep the following points in case any restrictions are contemplated to be imposed for containment of COVID-19:
(a) All operators of such facilities I intermediaries in the chain be permitted
to remain operational;
(b)Facilitating smooth supply and distribution chain as may be required;
(c) The facilities should be permitted to be manned by the staff of the
service providers;
(d) The movement of the accredited staff of services providers be permitted;
(e) The movement of vehicles carrying media persons, DSNGs and others including provisioning of fuel, wherever required may be facilitated; and
(f) Availability of uninterrupted electric supply and other logistics as requested by such facilities have to be provided;
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.
