Context: The ministry of Information & Broadcasting last month came out with 'Access- ibility Standards in the Public Exhibition of Feature Films in Cinema Theatres for Persons with Hearing and Visual Impairment, and invited stakeholder comments on the draft till February 15.

Why the Guidelines

• Legal Foundation: The proposal references Sections 29 and 42 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. These sections require government action to enhance universal access in the information and communication sector, specifically focusing on providing access to films for individuals with hearing and visual impairments.
• Demographic Overview: According to the Census 2011, 2.21% of India's total population is classified as 'disabled.' Within this demographic, 19% of individuals have a disability related to sight, and an additional 19% experience hearing disabilities.

Film Certification Process Requirements

• Dual Film Sets Submission: The producer must submit two sets of films to CBFC for certification.
• Sets include the original version for public viewing and a second version with accessibility features.
• Mandatory CBFC Certification: Cinemas must ensure that both versions of feature films are certified by CBFC for theatrical releases.
• Options for Cinema Halls: Cinemas can schedule specific days and timings for screenings with accessibility services.

oAlternatively, cinemas can use specific equipment during regular shows to cater to the impaired segment.

How will the guidelines be implemented?

• CBFC and Government: The CBFC and relevant government bodies under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, will monitor the implementation schedule.
• Involvement of Film Stakeholders: Film producers and movie theatre licensees will actively participate in overseeing the implementation process.
• Establishment of Monitoring Committee: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) will create a committee, comprising half its members with hearing/visual impairment and representatives from the film industry, to supervise accessibility standards implementation.