I&B Ministry
Prasar Bharati strengthens copyright safeguards, launches Creators Corner
Public broadcaster launches ‘Creators Corner’ to amplify cultural and socially relevant content
NEW DELHI: Prasar Bharati has said it actively safeguards the copyright of content produced or commissioned by the public broadcaster, while also keeping a close watch on digital platforms for potential infringements.
In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, minister of state for information and broadcasting and parliamentary affairs L. Murugan, said the organisation has not recorded any recent instances of copyright violations by media production houses. However, the broadcaster regularly monitors intermediary platforms where individual users may upload content that infringes on its rights.
Prasar Bharati holds the copyright for programmes created in-house or commissioned by it. The broadcaster also noted that no cases of sub-contracting of production work have come to its notice. To prevent such practices, agreements with production companies include clauses that restrict sub-contracting.
Alongside protecting its intellectual property, the public broadcaster is also looking to expand its creative ecosystem. It has launched Creators Corner on Doordarshan as a platform to collaborate with digital creators and widen the reach of public service content.
The initiative aims to bring fresh voices to the broadcaster while spotlighting stories that reflect India’s culture, heritage and socially relevant themes. Content selected under the programme must meet Prasar Bharati’s programme and advertising codes and comply with applicable laws.
To qualify, creators must also demonstrate a reasonable digital reach on at least one major social media platform. Those selected will be remunerated according to duration-based rates set by the broadcaster.
The details were shared in response to a question raised by Tiruchi Siva in the Rajya Sabha.
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.
