Tag: Mumbai

  • Q2-2014 HT Media PAT up due to subsidiary stake sale: Radio Business PBIT up 28%

    Q2-2014 HT Media PAT up due to subsidiary stake sale: Radio Business PBIT up 28%

    BENGALURU: Despite slightly lower consolidated income from operations in Q2-2014 at Rs 534.65 crore, as compared to the Rs 540.93 crore in Q1-2014, Indian media group HT Media Limited (HT Media) reported a 22.5 per cent jump in PAT for Q2-2014 at Rs 58.18 crore (after minority interest) as compared to the Rs 47.49 crore in Q1-2014 and 75 per cent higher than the Rs 33.31 crore for Q2-2013. HT Media had reported group consolidated income from operations of Rs 510.87 crore for Q2-2013.

     

    Excluding the Rs 38.21 crore from the proceeds of the sale of HT Media’s stake in HT Burda, PAT for Q2-2014 would be lower than the PAT for the immediate preceding quarter or the corresponding quarter of last year.

     

    Note: An amount of Rs 38.21 crore representing the difference between (i) the net proceeds of HT Media’s sale of equity shares held in a subsidiary company HT Burda amounting to Rs 59.91 crore and (ii) the carrying amount of assets of HT Burda less liabilities in the consolidated financial statement amounting to Rs 21.7 crore has been recognised as other income in the company’s financial statement.

     

    HT Media’s Fever 104 FM has four radio stations in Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata and Delhi. Its Radio, Broadcast and Entertainment segment’s PBIT at Rs 4.69 crore for Q2-2014 was 27.8 per cent more than the Rs 3.67crore for Q1-2014 and almost double (1.97 times) the Rs 2.38 crore PBIT for Q1-2013.

     

    The company claims that its advertising revenue from Printing of Newspapers and Periodicals ‘ segment increased to Rs 386.8 crore for Q2-2014 from Rs 364 crore in Q2-2013, primarily driven by increase in advertising yields and volumes. It also claims a 14 per cent increase in circulation revenue of print segment to Rs 64.2 crore in Q2-2014 from Rs 56.3 crore during the corresponding period last year, driven by increase in realisation per copy.

     

    Let us look at the other Q2-2014 figures reported by HT Media

     

    HT Media’s total income for Q2-2014 at Rs 591.6 crore was 11 per cent more than the Rs 535.25 crore for Q2-2013 and 4.1 per cent more than the Rs 568.49 crore for Q1-2014, mainly on account of higher other income due to HT Media’s sale of its stake in a subsidiary company HT Burda in the current quarter.

     

    Other Income at Rs 56.95 crore for Q2-2014 was more than double (2.34 times more) the Rs 24.38 crore in Q2-2013 and also more than double (2.1 times more) the Rs 27.56 crore for Q1-2014. However, once the proceeds of HT Media’s sale of its stake in its subsidiary HT Burda of Rs 38.21 crore is excluded, Q2-2014 other income would be lower than the other income for Q1-2014 or Q2-2013.

     

    HT Media’s total expense for Q2-2014 at Rs 492.61 crore was about three per cent more than the Rs 478.57 crore for Q2-2013 and about 1.6 per cent more than the Rs 484.81 crore for Q1-2014.

     

    A major chunk of the expense is the cost of raw materials consumed in the case of HT Media. It spent Rs 189.4 crore for Q2-2014 which was three per cent lower than the Rs 195.25 crore in Q2-2013, but 10.3 per cent more than the Rs 171.57 crore in the immediate preceding quarter (Q1-2014).

     

    Another major chunk of expense is Other Expense in the case of HT Media. Other Expense at Rs 180.28 crore for Q2-2014 was 15.5 per cent more than the Rs 156.04 crore for Q2-2013, but about 0.8 per cent lower than the Rs 181.75 crore for Q1-2014.

     

    HT Media’s Employee Benefit expense for Q2-2014 at Rs 106.47 crore was three per cent more than the Rs 103.41 crore for Q2-2013 and 0.8 per cent more than the Rs 105.52 crore for Q1-2014.

     

     Segment Results:

     

    HT Media reports revenue from four streams – Printing of Newspapers and Periodicals segment; Broadcast and Entertainment segment; Digital segment and from Unallocated segment.  

     

    Revenue from HT Media’s Printing of Newspapers and Periodicals segment at Rs 495.85 crore for Q2-2014 was 3.4 per cent higher than the Rs 479.18 crore for Q2-2013, but 1.1 per cent lower than the Rs 504.68 crore in Q1-2014.

     

    PBIT for Printing of Newspapers and Periodicals segment for Q2-2014 at Rs 59.48 crore was 23.3 per cent higher than the Rs 48.24 crore for Q2-2013, but 27 per cent lower than the Rs 82.46 crore for the immediate preceding quarter (Q1-2104).

     

    Revenue from Radio, Broadcast and Entertainment segment for Q2-2014 at Rs 22.16 crore was 11.2 per cent more than the Rs 19.92 crore for Q2-2013, and marginally higher (3.5 per cent) than the Rs 21.41 crore for Q1-2014.

     

    As mentioned above, Its Radio, Broadcast and Entertainment segment PBIT at Rs 4.69 crore  for Q2-2014 was 27.8 per cent more than the Rs 3.67 crore for Q1-2014 and almost double (1.97 times more) than the Rs 2.38 crore for Q1-2013.

     

    Results from the Digital Segment and the Unallocated segment are negative. Please see the attached financial statements.

     

    HT Media chairperson and editorial director Shobhana Bhartia said, “We are glad to report a stable growth in revenue and profit this quarter, despite continued uncertainty in the macroeconomic environment, both in India, and elsewhere. Our growth initiatives in Mumbai and UP continue to deliver results, and all our digital businesses have shown robust growth. We are confident that our diversified business model, established brands and sustained focus on cost reduction will continue to create value for all stakeholders and also show better results as the macroeconomic environment improves.”

  • Simba enters Tier 2 cities with 100 stores by 2014 in India

    Simba enters Tier 2 cities with 100 stores by 2014 in India

    MUMBAI: SimbaToys, one of the largest toy manufacturers in the worldand slated to be the largest toy chain in India is all set to expand its reach to Tier 2 cities. Following the opening of existing stores across Mumbai,Delhi, Bangalore and Chennai the company is now ready to extend its reach to Orissa, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh over next few months.

    Commenting on the expansion Shree Narayan Sabharwal, Business Head, Simba Toys India stated “In India, almost 70% of the toy market is unorganized. Simba Toys mission is to let kids play with better quality and safer toys. The idea behind SIMBA stores in India is to establish them as your neighborhood toy store. Through which good quality products come closer to mass consumer across all cities in India, as it’s difficult to have easy access to such toys in India.”

    “We are planning to open 50 outlets across the country by the end of this year”, he further added. German – based toy brand, Simba Toys entered the Indian market through an exclusive franchise arrangement in 2010. Simba Toys opened its first Simba store in 2012 in Mumbai, the financial capital of India.

    Eighteen stores of SIMBA are already operational in diversified locations across the country which includes Delhi-NCR, Madhya Pradesh, Bangalore Mumbai, Gujarat, Uttarakhand and Chennai. The product range includes Back to School range, Steffi, Majorette, Art and Craft, Music.

  • Squarekey launches in Mumbai

    Squarekey launches in Mumbai

    MUMBAI:  After its successful launch in Delhi last week online shopping destination SquareKey.com is all set to create a buzz in Mumbai.

    Amidst much glitz and glamour, launch party of Squarekey.com was hosted at Le Pain Quotidien (BKC) in Mumbai by Nishka Lulla and SquareKey founder Avantika Daing on Monday. The guest list included the who’s who of the fashion industry and lifestyle magazines with Mugdha Godse, Krishika Lulla, Aditya Thackrey among many others.

    SquareKey.com has been creating quite the frenzy amongst Bollywood celebrities, stylists, and the fashion elite since it’s a virtual store for brands unavailable in India till date.

    An online retail destination for premium western contemporary fashion and lifestyle brands for men, women, and kids, and touted as “India’s Net-A-Porter,” SquareKey offers unprecedented access to current in-season styles from leading western designers including BCBG, Nicole Miller, Nanette Lepore, Cynthia Rowley, Members Only, DL1961, Milly, Hanky Panky, and more.

    SquareKey’s partnerships allow access to these labels which do not have brick and mortar presence in India at parity price (for the same price as retail in US/Europe) with free shipping.

    Now you must be thinking, where do I sign up, right? Key in at: http://www.squarekey.com.
    SquareKey’s vision is to create a level playing field between international brands and Indian consumers in their access to each other by providing current season items at parity price along with pre-order exclusivity. Sitting on a unique content platform, it keeps consumers engaged in real time trends.

    Recently launched SquareTUBE is their own YouTube-driven digital approach to content around fashion and lifestyle. SquareKey also provides a personal shopper service where consumers can shop New York City whilst sitting in India.

    Founder Avantika Daing says, “there is a large gap in a growing market. We want to unlock the world with SquareKey, by bringing the retail experience as it happens in real time in New York and London to the Indian consumers so they are not an afterthought; as is the case with branded retail in India. We partner with our brands strategically so as to not dilute them like e-retail tends to do in India. We are about an experience and so content, information and customer needs are of high priority to us. To enhance the customer experience, we now offer pre-order – providing exclusive access to items weeks before they are available in retail, even in New York!”

    Editor-in-Chief Kanika Chadda Gupta explains, “SquareKey’s goal is to make shopping an experience rather than a chore. Our aim is two-fold. Firstly, we are living in a digital world and Indian shoppers have become a lot more tech savvy. We want to encourage online shopping since it’s easy and hassle-free, especially with our incentives of cost on delivery, parity price (same prices those in the US/UK), and free shipping. Secondly, we have positioned ourselves to be “content meets commerce,” which means the site navigates like an interactive magazine. On SquareTUBE, we have exclusive videos including “Street Style Around the World” and “Behind the Seams,” where consumers get a chance to hear from the designers themselves. On other e-commerce portals, the clothes get all the limelight. We want to give you the backstory. And with editorial features like “Shop the story” and “Pick of the week,” one can spend hours on SquareKey reading fiction narratives and getting tips on how to stay on trend while staying true to one’s own originality.”

    SquareKey’s advisory board consists of founders, designers and editors of Fine Wines & More, Soho House, Le Pain Quotidien, Harper’s Bazaar, FreeCultr, IMG Worldwide and Estee Lauder.

  • Dish TV unveils two new and exciting Diwali bonanza offers

    Dish TV unveils two new and exciting Diwali bonanza offers

    NEW DELHI: As the country readies to celebrate Diwali, Asia’s largest direct-to-home network Dish TV has announced the launch of two special offers: the first on a Rs 1,500 cash back on purchase of a Dish TV set top box and a Ultimate Combo Offer that will encourage purchase of high definition boxes.

    This year, Dish TV will provide whopping a Rs 1,500 cash back on purchase of any Dish TV set top box. This offer is applicable on the purchase of either Standard Definition (SD) or High Definition (HD) boxes. In addition to this offer, Dish TV has also announced the Ultimate Combo Offer that will help consumers earn a free standard definition box with the purchase of every high definition box.

    The Ultimate Combo Offer will also give away a substantial discount on monthly recharge besides the free second set top box. Through this offer, we plan to address the needs of multi television household with this terrific cost effective solution. Customers can avail only one of these offers at a time.

    Consumer sentiments are buoyant during the festive season and they tend to splurge more. Keeping in the mind the festive fervor, Dish TV plans to cash in on this opportunity with attractive consumer promotion offer.

    On this occasion, Dish TV COO Salil Kapoor said, “Diwali is a very important festival and is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm in all parts of the country. Dish TV always strives to introduce innovative offers and schemes for its consumers. It is this customer centric approach that has made us the country’s largest DTH service operator. We, at Dish TV, wanted to further strengthen and reach the core of our Indian audience. We have launched these festive bonanza offers to engage with our customers and deepen our reach even further.”

    Both the Diwali bonanza offers will be effective from 18 October. Both these offers will be available in larger cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Madras. Agra, Ahmedabad, Allahabad, Amritsar, Aurangabad, Bangalore, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Coimbatore, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Howrah, Hyderabad, Indore, Jabalpur, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kalyan-Dombivli, Kanpur, Lucknow, Ludhiana, Meerut, Mysore, Nagpur, Nasik, Navi Mumbai, Patna, Pimpri- Chinchwad, Pune, Rajkot, Ranchi, Sholapur, Srinagar, Surat, Thane, Vadodara, Varanasi and Visakhapatnam.

  • India Just Suited Up!

    India Just Suited Up!

    MUMBAI: Comedy Central, India’s preferred laughter destination is known to engage its audience with not only clutter breaking content but also with promotion ideas that attract all English entertainment viewers. Keeping up with the excitement around the most awaited show on English television, Comedy Central welcomed Suits Season 3 with a bang on October 7, 2013. The channel promoted the show through a 360 degree marketing campaign labeled ‘Everybody is getting into SUITS!’

    As party of the overall marketing campaign, a massive on-ground activity was planned leading up to the show. Starting October 4th, groups dressed in slick suits were seen across places ranging from prominent landmarks like heritage properties, metro stations and famous streets to the most, Oddest of places like, libraries, malls & sea facing promenades in Bangalore, Kolkata, Mumbai & Delhi. The activity was a huge success, generating buzz & direct integrations with more than one lakh people

    Apart from the on ground promotion, the channel also tied up with multiple BTL partners to innovatively amplify the Suits communication. The channel tied up with India’s leading dry cleaners Pressto & dry cleaned suits were returned to customers with SUITS messages on them. Promotion in Gold’s Gym’s involved funny captions in the men’s locker rooms about how Men looked compared to Harvey Specter, while women were cockily urged to control themselves with a live size poster of him in their washrooms!

    Promotion partners also included Café Coffee Day outlets, Crossword bookstores, Big Cinemas, Cocoberry, Bookmyshow.com, moneycontrol.com, In.com & mydala.com. To add reach, the campaign also involved Print, Outdoor & heavy digital & Radio promotion across all major cities in the country. The channel also focused on trade marketing with promotions across all major advertising sites both in & outside leading media agencies in Delhi & Mumbai.

    To top off the entire marketing effort, Comedy Central also engaged fans and media personnel to enter in a contest with winners getting a chance to LIVE THE HARVEY LIFE with a 2N/3D day stay at Taj lake Palace in Udaipur, with a Jaguar car service, gourmet food & spa sessions that will make winners feel like the character & get a first hand taste of good life & larger than life persona!

    Commenting on the premier of Suits Season 3, Ferzad Palia, Sr. Vice President and General Manager – English Entertainment, Viacom18 Pvt. Ltd, says, “Comedy Central has always been an innovative brand when it comes down to finding ways to market our shows & reach out to viewers. Here, we have taken a very simple yet powerful idea like “Everybody is getting into Suits” and pushed it to the next level by actually getting everyone in India to wear Suits. I am very happy with the response that we have got from fans, with a number of people turning out in suits & expressing their love for the show”

    The channel has become a one stop destination, catering to viewers with witty humor and great comedy through its day long line up of shows. Staying true to its philosophy, this October it takes the wit & energy up another notch!

    Garnier Men presents Suits Season3 Powered by Micromax on Comedy Central. Mon- Thu 10PM

    Promotion partners also included Café Coffee Day outlets, Crossword bookstores, Big Cinemas, Cocoberry, Bookmyshow.com, moneycontrol.com, In.com & mydala.com. To add reach, the campaign also involved Print, Outdoor & heavy digital & Radio promotion across all major cities in the country. The channel also focused on trade marketing with promotions across all major advertising sites both in & outside leading media agencies in Delhi & Mumbai.

    To top off the entire marketing effort, Comedy Central also engaged fans and media personnel to enter in a contest with winners getting a chance to LIVE THE HARVEY LIFE with a 2N/3D day stay at Taj lake Palace in Udaipur, with a Jaguar car service, gourmet food & spa sessions that will make winners feel like the character & get a first hand taste of good life & larger than life persona!

    Commenting on the premier of Suits Season 3, Ferzad Palia, Sr. Vice President and General Manager – English Entertainment, Viacom18 Pvt. Ltd, says, “Comedy Central has always been an innovative brand when it comes down to finding ways to market our shows & reach out to viewers. Here, we have taken a very simple yet powerful idea like “Everybody is getting into Suits” and pushed it to the next level by actually getting everyone in India to wear Suits. I am very happy with the response that we have got from fans, with a number of people turning out in suits & expressing their love for the show”

    The channel has become a one stop destination, catering to viewers with witty humor and great comedy through its day long line up of shows. Staying true to its philosophy, this October it takes the wit & energy up another notch!

    Garnier Men presents Suits Season3 Powered by Micromax on Comedy Central. Mon- Thu 10PM

  • Single window service for film shooting to become operational shortly: Tewari

    NEW DELHI: A single window service for promoting cinema tourism is all set to become operational shortly.

    Speaking at the Cinemascape 2013 conclave in Mumbai today, Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari observed that India with its rich heritage and diverse geography has great potential as a destination for film shooting but the current system of multiple clearances at various levels made it an unattractive destination for filming.

     “Increasingly therefore, most Indian filmmakers have gravitated towards foreign destinations for outdoor shoots. Any lost opportunity is a revenue loss for the country,” he remarked.

    India has a great potential to become a destination for film shooting but the current system of multiple clearances at various levels make it an unattractive destination for filming, says Manish Tewari

     Tewari said the government has now decided to address the issue by establishing a single window service for granting clearances for film shootings in India. He informed that a Committee on Promotion and Facilitation of Film Production in India has been set up. It is chaired by the secretary in the ministry, with senior representatives from the Ministries of External Affairs, Home Affairs; Tourism; Culture; Railways; Civil Aviation; Defence and Department of Revenue etc.

     The state governments have been asked to nominate the nodal officers for film clearance. The minister said Standard Operating Procedures are being developed to accord clearances for film shooting by domestic and foreign producers in India.

     

    Tewari stressed on the need for a sound legal architecture for promoting cinema as a form of creative expression. While conceding that law and order is a state subject, he said film certification falls in the central domain. He said, “There is an urgent need to update laws relating to film certification and exhibition and I am happy to inform that the committee headed by Justice Mukul Mudgal has submitted its recommendation along with a model bill to replace the existing Cinematograph Act 1952.”

     He said the recommendations of the committee as well as the model bill will be published on the website of the ministry to seek wider public consultation. The minister assured the film fraternity that by the middle of 2014, India would have a contemporary law to deal with cinema.

     Dwelling on the issue of taxation and fiscal incentives for the film and entertainment sector, the minister called upon the industry representatives to set up a committee of experts to draw a comprehensive strategy, which could then be submitted to the Finance Minister on behalf of his ministry.

    Participating in a panel discussion, noted film maker Mukesh Bhatt said 76 different permissions have to be obtained for film shooting in India, while Indian producers are given a red carpet welcome in some of the cine-tourism nations like Switzerland, New Zealand, South Africa, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. Bhatt acknowledged that the Ministry’s effort is a welcome first step.

  • Aspiring to change with a film

    Aspiring to change with a film

    MUMBAI: In the times of crime against women increasing with each passing day, comes a film about rape and revenge. Dare You is by far the boldest approach towards rape crimes written and directed by Denis Selarka and Mehul Simari and produced by Blueberry Films.

     

    Starring Alisha Khan, the film revolves around a Kashmiri college girl who comes to Mumbai for completing her higher studies only to be treated atrociously. The story moves ahead when she decides to take charge and give it back to the guys who treated her badly.

     

    The movie challenges the norms of the conventional cinema where such ghastly crimes are hushed upon. The movie boasts of being a shocking retaliation of a rape victim.
    Rani Diwan, the protagonist of the film is trying to be that “change” which everybody wants to see in the society.

  • Fashion Designer Gareth Pugh Revealed The Inspiration behind his first piece of fine jewellery

    Fashion Designer Gareth Pugh Revealed The Inspiration behind his first piece of fine jewellery

    Forevermark, the diamond brand from the De Beers Group of Companies, announced its collaboration with British fashion designer, Gareth Pugh today. On the occasion, Mr. Sachin Jain, President, Forevermark India unveiled Gareth’s first fine jewellery piece at The Palladium Hotel, Mumbai along with actress Jacqueline Fernandez.

     

    Featuring over a hundred natural and untreated precious Forevermark diamonds, this armour-like piece has been designed as a part of the Forevermark Promise Campaign. Gareth spoke about the inspiration and journey behind his design where he learnt about the unique promise inscribed on every Forevermark diamond. Set in stainless steel and Titanium, this piece was brought to life with cutting-edge digital mapping and 3D technology. The neckpiece has about 5600 diamonds, adding upto 91.98 carats.

     

    THE INSPIRATION

     

    The design process for Gareth began earlier this year during his trip to the Orapa diamond mine in Botswana, where he came to understand the incredible story behind each Forevermark diamond. From seeing and handling rough diamonds, Gareth witnessed their transformation into beautiful polished gems at an Authorised Forevermark Diamantaires cutting and polishing factory. One part of the operation that he found particularly compelling was the alliance between age-old craft and advanced technology. Gareth knew immediately that he wanted that relationship to be part of the story of this piece.

     

    THE CREATION

     

    Following this creative path, Gareth developed the idea of working with a unique set of contradictions. “The design was brought into existence in a most innovative way: utilising the power of technology – through digital body-mapping and 3D printing – combined with the knowledge and authority of experienced craftsmanship,” said Pugh. And the paradoxes continue with natural and untreated Forevermark diamonds, which are billions of years old, being set within a stainless steel base, built using completely new technology.

     

    Pugh also explained, “The inspiration behind the neck-piece comes from my idea of what a promise is – an unbreakable bond. Coming back to Forevermark, it’s about the reciprocal relationship that they have with the communities they support. It’s not about taking, it’s about giving something back. The piece closes with a titanium pin which is set with a diamond on the top. I really liked the idea of using that as a signifier of an unbreakable bond.”

     

    Sachin Jain, President, Forevermark India commented, “Forevermark prides itself on working with experts who are as passionate about their area of expertise as we are about diamonds. Gareth is undoubtedly one of the world’s great fashion talents and we are honoured that he has chosen to work with Forevermark diamonds for his first fine jewellery piece. Gareth has realised an extraordinary vision in the piece and we are thrilled, both with the creative inspiration and the iconic aesthetic of the neckpiece itself.”

     

    This spectacular design was unveiled for the first time in Hong Kong on the 8th of August at an event attended by Gareth. The neck-piece will soon be revealed in China, Japan and the U.S.

     

    THE CAMPAIGN

     

    Forevermark holds firm the belief that all promises should be as unbreakable as theirs. Consequently, their unique 2013 Promise campaign reflects that. www.forevermark.com/promise features the news, promises and stories from Pugh’s personal journey with Forevermark as well as updates from a variety of international events hosted around the world, in honour of the campaign. Visitors will be able to design their very own piece of jewellery featuring a Forevermark diamond – the finished image of which can be sent to a loved one bearing its very own, personal promise.

     

    The campaign also features online interactions at www.forevermark.com/promise allowing consumers to make a promise to a loved one connected to a specific location and place. The recipient will receive a personal note informing them of the very special promise that awaits them when in the relevant location.

     

    Building on the success of the 2012 Promises and Pledges Exhibition and the corresponding website, designers and celebrities from all over the world are joining the Forevermark 2013 Promise campaign with each learning more about the unique way in which Forevermark diamonds are not only responsibly sourced, but also actively benefit the communities from which they come.

  • Empowered Committee recommends re-drafting of Cinematograph Act 1952

    NEW DELHI: The empowered Committee under the chairmanship of retired Punjab and High Court Chief Justice Mukul Mudgal has submitted a fresh draft of the Cinematograph Act 1952 to incorporate its recommendations related to certification of films and piracy issues.

    In its report submitted to Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari today, the Committee has also dealt with issues such as advisory panels, guidelines for certification and issues such as portrayal of women, obscenity and communal disharmony, classification of Films and jurisdiction of the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT).

    The Committee also gave its views on advisory panels in different parts of the country to the Central Board of Film Certification; apart from ways to deal with video piracy.

    A thorough review of the Cinematograph Act has also been undertaken in the light of developments over the last six decades.

    The Censorship Guidelines were last amended on 6 December 1991. The Board presently consists of non-official members and a chairman (all of whom are appointed by Central Government) and functions with headquarters at Mumbai. It has nine Regional offices/Advisory Panels, one each at Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Thiruvananthapuram, Hyderabad, New Delhi, Cuttack and Guwahati. The Regional Offices are assisted in the examination of  films by Advisory Panels. The members of the panels are nominated by Central Government by drawing people from different walks of life for a period of two years. 

    The committee was constituted by the Ministry on 4 February 2013 and held several meetings during its eight-month tenure with various stakeholders. These meetings were held in Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. Eminent persons connected with the film sector were invited by the Committee to present their views. The Committee also held discussions with members and officials of CBFC, officials of the Animal Welfare Board of India, Chairperson of BCCC, representatives of the Film Federation of India, the Films and Television Producers Guild of India and the Multiplex Association of India.

    Other members of the Committee are former I and B Secretary Uday Kumar Varma; FCAT Chairman Lalit Bhasin; former CBFC Chairperson Sharmila Tagore; eminent film lyricist Javed Akhtar; CBFC Chairperson Leela Samson; South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce Secretary and former Film Federation of India President L Suresh; Supreme Court advocate Ms Rameeza Hakim, and I and B Joint Secretary (Films) Raghvendra Singh who was the member convener.  

  • Empowered Committee recommends re-drafting of Cinematograph Act 1952

    Empowered Committee recommends re-drafting of Cinematograph Act 1952

    NEW DELHI: The empowered Committee under the chairmanship of retired Punjab and High Court Chief Justice Mukul Mudgal has submitted a fresh draft of the Cinematograph Act 1952 to incorporate its recommendations related to certification of films and piracy issues.

     

    In its report submitted to Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari today, the Committee has also dealt with issues such as advisory panels, guidelines for certification and issues such as portrayal of women, obscenity and communal disharmony, classification of Films and jurisdiction of the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT).

     

    The Committee also gave its views on advisory panels in different parts of the country to the Central Board of Film Certification; apart from ways to deal with video piracy.

     

    A thorough review of the Cinematograph Act has also been undertaken in the light of developments over the last six decades.

     

    The Censorship Guidelines were last amended on 6 December 1991. The Board presently consists of non-official members and a chairman (all of whom are appointed by Central Government) and functions with headquarters at Mumbai. It has nine Regional offices/Advisory Panels, one each at Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Thiruvananthapuram, Hyderabad, New Delhi, Cuttack and Guwahati. The Regional Offices are assisted in the examination of  films by Advisory Panels. The members of the panels are nominated by Central Government by drawing people from different walks of life for a period of two years.

     

    The committee was constituted by the Ministry on 4 February 2013 and held several meetings during its eight-month tenure with various stakeholders. These meetings were held in Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. Eminent persons connected with the film sector were invited by the Committee to present their views. The Committee also held discussions with members and officials of CBFC, officials of the Animal Welfare Board of India, Chairperson of BCCC, representatives of the Film Federation of India, the Films and Television Producers Guild of India and the Multiplex Association of India.

    Other members of the Committee are former I and B Secretary Uday Kumar Varma; FCAT Chairman Lalit Bhasin; former CBFC Chairperson Sharmila Tagore; eminent film lyricist Javed Akhtar; CBFC Chairperson Leela Samson; South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce Secretary and former Film Federation of India President L Suresh; Supreme Court advocate Ms Rameeza Hakim, and I and B Joint Secretary (Films) Raghvendra Singh who was the member convener.