West Bengal: Child Rights Body Issues Notice To UNICEF, CBFC Over Screening of Same-Sex Relationship Movies in Schools

A child rights body, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has written to Unicef India and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) over screening of short movies illustrating same-sex relationships scheduled for children in West Bengal schools.

According to the notice marked to Unicef India representative, the NCPCR sought information for the mandate under which the films were selected, the factors which were taken into consideration for screening the movies to school children, and also the memorandum of understanding signed with the Ministry of Education and department of education in West Bengal before screening the film, India Today reported.

To promote inclusiveness, a partner organisation of the Unicef and Kolkata-based NGO Prayasam will screen the films directed by Salim Sheikh, Manish Chowdhury, Saptarshi Ray, and Avijit Marjit. NCPCR chairperson Priyank Kanoongo sought the CBFC’s confirmation whether these movies have been certified, as per media reports.

Sending a notice to the CBFC, the child rights body has asked whether the movies selected have received certification to be screened in West Bengal and under which category these movies have been certified.

Both UNICEF and the CBFC have been told to submit a report as well as their answers within a period of ten days.

The movies will be premiered on 3 December this year at the 8th ‘Bad and Beautiful World Film Festival’ at Kolkata’s Kalanjali Art Space. The films explore different aspects of same-sex relationships, from the reconciliation of the father with his gay son to the trials of a male escort.

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