Shashi Shekhar Vempati, former CEO of Prasar Bharati, has been appointed as the Chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). His tenure will be three years from the date of appointment, or until further orders.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued a notification confirming the appointment. Vempati succeeds Prasoon Joshi, whose term ended in April 2024.
Vempati is a 1992 batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer. During his tenure at Prasar Bharati, from June 2014 to February 2020, he oversaw significant modernization efforts within the public broadcaster, including the digitization of Doordarshan and All India Radio. He also led the launch of several new channels and services.
Prior to Prasar Bharati, Vempati held various positions in the government, including Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. He has experience in policy formulation and implementation related to the media and entertainment sector.
The CBFC is responsible for regulating the public exhibition of films under the provisions of the Cinematograph Act, 1952. The Chairman leads the board which grants certificates to films, determining their suitability for different age groups. The role is crucial in balancing creative expression with societal values and concerns.
Vempati’s appointment comes at a time when the Indian film industry is undergoing rapid changes, with a surge in content creation for both theatrical release and streaming platforms. His experience in broadcasting and media policy is expected to be valuable in navigating the evolving landscape of film certification.
The selection process involved a search-cum-selection committee constituted by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The committee evaluated candidates based on their experience, knowledge of the film industry, and understanding of societal values.
