‘I don’t get worked up over obscenity’

Since September 11 last year, we have seen the emergence of a world coalition against terrorism. India has been suffering from cross-border terrorism, especially in the Kashmir Valley.

We have succeeded in making world leaders appreciate that Pakistan must stop terrorist infiltration into India. In the last two months, we have seen a number of representatives of the world community visiting India and publicly acknowledging the correctness of India’s stand.

• Why do you get so worked up over ‘‘indecent’’ commercials on TV? Indian cultural values were so much more liberal in ancient times. Why doesn’t the BJP accept this? Ved

I do not get worked up. I am only insisting on the compliance with the Advertisement Code approved by the collective wisdom of the Indian Parliament.

• The brakes applied on indecent commercials and Fashion TV are positive steps. But the decision to allow FDI in print is likely to rebound. F S K Barar

The decision to allow FDI in the print media is well considered and has been provided for with adequate safeguards to ensure that our interests are not compromised. Specifically in the news and current affairs part, we have only permitted 26% FDI with fairly stringent conditions including management and editorial control in resident Indian hands.

• What is your opinion on the Censor Board’s recent proposal to allow screening of pornographic films in designated cinema halls?
Manisha

No such recommendation has been made by the Censor Board. The Government has not and will not permit screening of pornographic films in designated or any cinema halls in India.

• What is the reason for the failure of DD channels in the face of stiff competition? Why can’t we have a 24-hour news channels like BBC or CNN? Raja

It is incorrect to state that DD channels have failed in the face of stiff competition. DD is a public broadcaster and accordingly, has a number of commitments not faced by private channels. This is not to say that there is no scope for improvement. In fact, competition stimulates improvement.

Insofar as a 24-hour news channel is concerned, DD did start such a channel. However, in a restructuring exercise, the Prasar Bharati Board decided to close it down. The frequency of news bulletins on the national terrestrial channels has, nevertheless, been increased.

• What is your view on the Left Front presidential candidate Lakshmi Sehgal’s comment that the BJP and the RSS are hiding behind A P J Kalam as a face saver after the communal riots in Gujarat? G Dev

I have great respect for Dr Sehgalji and I would not like to join issue with her. However, we all know that Dr Kalam is the candidate not only of the BJP but also of almost all the political parties including the Congress.

• Indecent exposure has become routine in ads and movies. Are you planning to rate movies (R-restricted, PG-parental guidance) like in the US? J Karra

The Censor Board of Film Certification is a statutory body which rates movies under the U (Unrestricted), A (Adult), and UA (Unrestricted under Parental Guidance) categories.

• The BJP used to talk about Article 370 before coming to power. Has it given up the issue? S Banerjee

The BJP is part of the NDA coalition which fought the elections on a common agenda. This agenda included those issues on which a consensus has emerged amongst NDA partners. The common civil code was not part of this agenda.