New Delhi: Trinamool Congress MP Sagarika Ghose on Sunday criticised the Narendra Modi-led government for denying public access to the Central Board of Film Certification’s (CBFC) e-Cinepramaan portal, which provides detailed information on film certifications.

Highlighting the issue on social media, Ghose tweeted: "CENSOR BOARD CENSORS. Why has the public been denied access to the CBFC’s e-Cinepramaan portal to see details of film certification? I asked this question in Parliament only to receive some bureaucratic gobbledygook about 'data security' and 'system integrity.' @narendramodi regime again denying information to public."

Concerns over transparency and accountability

Ghose pointed out that while the government promotes transparency, key information on film certification remains inaccessible. She suggested that this lack of access raises questions over accountability in the film industry.

She posted her remarks on X with a screenshot of the reply she received in Parliament. In her question, she had asked why the public was denied access to the portal and why QR codes linked to film certification were removed.

Ministry explains QR code modifications

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting responded that the QR code system allows the public to access basic certification-related information, including film title, language, duration, applicant name, producer name, synopsis, and cast/crew details.

“Few modifications have been made in the content accessible under the QR code on the e-Cinepramaan portal to ensure data security, system integrity, and compliance with privacy considerations. These changes do not affect public access to essential certification information,” the reply noted.