Show cause notice to 'Colours' channel for obscene visuals

Government on Monday informed Rajya Sabha that it has issued a show cause notice to 'Colors' television channel for telecasting obscene visuals in the ongoing reality show "Big Boss 3".

Government on Monday informed Rajya Sabha that it has issued a show cause notice to 'Colors' television channel for telecasting obscene visuals in the ongoing reality show "Big Boss 3".

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Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni said in a written reply that apart from issuing a show cause notice to 'Colors' channel for the ongoing "Big Boss 3" show, it had sent a similar notice to the same channel during the telecast of "Big Boss 2", for showing obscene visuals.

"An advisory dated June 3, 2009 in this context was also issued to the channel, advising it to strictly follow the provisions of Programme Code as prescribed under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act 1995," Soni said.

She said all private TV channels are required to adhere to Programme and Advertising codes prescribed under the said Act.

"The ministry has constituted an inter-ministerial committee to look into specific complaints or to take suo motu cognisance against the violation of Programme and Advertising Codes. Action is taken whenever any specific violation is found as per the provisions of the Cable Act," she said.

Soni also said that during the 11th Plan, the government has envisaged upgradation of Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, and Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), Kolkata, -- two premier national institutes in the field of film and television training in the country.

"This is being done to develop them as per international standards. There is also a scheme for opening two new branches of study in SRFTI -- department of animation and electronic imaging, and department of production management," she said.