Enhancing Accessibility in Indian Cinema: Draft Guidelines and Implementation

Introduction

Enhancing accessibility in cinema halls for individuals with hearing and visual impairments is a crucial step towards promoting inclusivity and ensuring equal participation in cultural activities.
The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting’s draft guidelines aim to address this imperative by mandating accessibility features in film screenings.

Legal Mandate: The guidelines are framed under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, which emphasizes universal access in the information and communication sector.
Population Statistics: With approximately 2.21% of the Indian population classified as disabled, the guidelines aim to cater to the needs of individuals with hearing and visual disabilities, constituting a significant portion of this demographic.

Producer Responsibility: Producers must submit two sets of films to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC): one original and the other with accessibility features, including audio description, open/closed captioning, and Indian Sign Language Interpretation.
Certification Requirement: Cinema halls must ensure that feature films for theatrical release have both versions certified by CBFC.

Dedicated Screenings: Cinema halls can opt for dedicated days and timings for screenings with accessible services.
In-theater Equipment: Alternatively, theaters can utilize specific equipment during regular shows to facilitate the impaired segment.

Availability Requirement: Theaters must provide at least two pieces of equipment per 200 seats, which could include:

1. Smart glasses for displaying captions
2. Closed caption stands near seats
3. Small screens below the big screen for captions/subtitles
4. Headphones/earphones for audio description
5. Mobile apps and other technologies for assistance during shows

Initial Phase: Films dubbed in multiple languages must incorporate accessibility features within six months of guideline implementation.
National Platforms: Feature films for national awards and film festivals must include accessibility features starting January 1 of the following year.
Full Compliance: All other certified feature films must provide accessibility features within three years from the guideline issuance date.

Exhibitor Responsibility: Cinema owners must develop a self-regulatory mechanism to provide accessible seating within three years and train staff to assist customers with disabilities.
Monitoring and Oversight: Licensing authorities will ensure compliance, and a committee, including members with disabilities and film industry representatives, will oversee implementation.
Grievance Redressal: A structured grievance mechanism will allow individuals to file complaints, ensuring accountability and transparency.

Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016: Enacted in 2016, it safeguards the rights and dignity of individuals with disabilities across various spheres, including education, social services, legal matters, and economic opportunities.
Accessible India Campaign (2015): It aims to ensure full accessibility of government buildings for people with disabilities, enhancing inclusivity and mobility.
Sugamya Bharat App (2016): Introduced by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, this app addresses accessibility challenges faced by differently-abled individuals in buildings and transportation systems.
New Education Policy (2020): Rolled out in 2020, NEP 2020, under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, provides in-service training for teachers and special educators to ensure barrier-free access to education for children with disabilities.
Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids and Appliances (1981): ADIP scheme, operational since, assists disabled individuals in obtaining modern aids and appliances to enhance their physical, social, and psychological rehabilitation.

The proposed roadmap for implementation underscores the commitment to realizing the principles of universal access and ensuring the rights of persons with disabilities are upheld in the realm of entertainment.