Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Health finally agree on tobacco scenes in films

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Health Ministry have finally reached a compromise over showing smoking scenes on the big screen. In a statement, the I&B ministry said that anti-tobacco messages of a minimum of 30 seconds will be shown at the beginning and middle of all films which have scenes depicting tobacco usage.

"Ministry of health and family welfare has agreed to bear all the costs relating to production of such health spots and disclaimers," I&B ministry's statement said.

The spots and disclaimers will be provided by the health ministry to the Central Board of Film Certification. Scenes where characters are seen smoking will also have anti-tobacco health warning in the form of static message when a character is seen smoking. The health ministry has also agreed to drop the clause that necessitated 'UA' certification for films showing tobacco products or their use.