The Hindu : National : Sharmila Tagore resents government control

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, May 29, 2006

National

National

Sharmila Tagore resents government control

Says there is a need for transparency

NEW DELHI: Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chief Sharmila Tagore on Sunday came down heavily on government control in the appointment of Board members. She said an independent committee must be set up to select them.

"The way they [members] are selected is not transparent and much of them are political appointments,'' Ms. Tagore said. "There is a need to bring in transparency in the process... it is required as these are all important members."

Giving an example, she said that as CBFC Chairperson she could recommend the appointment of one-third of the members. "But what if the Chairperson is not consulted and just told that members have been appointed?" she asked.

To rid the Board of "political appointments," she suggested the formation of a Central committee comprising experts from education, women's bodies, judiciary, police, minorities, film industry and even Chief Ministers. "This committee can thereafter decide on the members for the CBFC as well as the regional offices."

Earlier, Ms. Tagore came out against the Government when a ban was imposed on smoking in films. She termed it a "decision taken in haste and un-aesthetic in taste." The film industry or the CBFC should have been consulted on the matter. "No self-respecting director will like it." She even questioned the Government's intervention in the release of The Da Vinci Code in India.

— PTI

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail