I&B Ministry invites comments on draft guidelines in films for persons with hearing and visual impairment

The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has invited comments on the draft Guidelines of Accessibility Standards in the Public Exhibition of Feature Films in Cinema Theatres for persons with hearing and visual impairment. The proposed guidelines lay down accessibility standards; Indian sign language rules; and accessibility in case of feature films, under which the producer would be required to deliver two sets of the films for certification to CBFC: the original one for the public view, and the second one with accessibility features, at the time of applying for certification of films to the CBFC. “To achieve accessibility in feature films for the persons with hearing or visual disability, the film industry is required to collaborate/work with the organisations for persons with such disabilities. All other feature films being certified through the CBFC and meant for theatrical release will be required to mandatorily provide accessibility features from three years from the date of issue of the guidelines.