NEW DELHI / MUMBAI: What the I&B minister proposes, the I&B ministry is left with the onerous task of disposing. I&B minister RS Prasad's recent comments to the media that all TV channels, barring news channels, would have to air programmes that can be certified or has been certified 'U' (fit for people under 18) by the Censor Board, looks likely to be given a not-so quiet burial.
 

Indiantelevision.com has learnt that the I&B ministry next week is all set back track on the 'U' certificate "controversy" raised by Prasad. The government will allay the fears of movie channels that they too, would have to obtain a 'U' certificate for the films they air, say government sources.

According to a government source, "We are not into being moral police. The 'U' certificate would have to be obtained only for (Indian) music videos as per the Cinematographic Act."

Regarding Indian movies, the government source clarified that such films are anyway subjected to Indian Censor Board certification which are also valid when they are also valid when they are aired on television channels.

Queried about the rules that apply to English films, the source said foreign films are subject to the certification and rules of their respective countries.

Referring to English movie channels like Zee MGM, HBO, Star Movies and Hallmark, the government source said, "We hope that the English channels would keep Indian sensibilities and sensitivities in mind when airing movies." Basically the line that Prasad has more than once gone on record as stating: That channels should exercise self-regulation.