Punjab imposes conditions to lift 'Aarakshan' ban

Chandigarh, Aug 12 (IANS) The Punjab government Friday indicated it is ready to lift the ban on screening of controversial movie 'Aarakshan', which deals with reservation issue, if the film's producer made certain changes in scenes and dialogues.

The government spelt out its stand after a high-level committee it set up to preview the movie Friday recommended revocation of the ban on the film's screening in the state if the producer agreed to make the changes.

The committee viewed the film Thursday evening and submitted its report to the government.

It said that the film contained particular dialogues and scenes which could provoke emotions of certain communities, especially those from weaker sections of society.

'This may prove to be a disturbing factor in the society, especially in Punjab where more than 31 percent of the 2.77 crore population of Punjab belongs to the weaker sections, including the Scheduled Castes,' the panel said.

'The committee felt that the movie has depicted the educational backwardness of the Dalits, which can be addressed in a positive manner and the same is well brought out,' an official spokesman said here, quoting the committee report.

'The movie focuses on the bane of commercialisation of education. It has clearly brought out the message that the educational system needs to be improved for the uplift of the Dalits.'

'Since the overall message of the movie is positive, the committee feels that the movie may be released in the state of Punjab after making the amendments as suggested above,' the committee spokesman added.

'This issue may be taken up with the producer of the movie, requesting him to make the above changes. The Censor Board of India may be informed accordingly,' the committee said.

The panel was headed by Samir Kumar, Punjab's secretary-home, and included four members.

The state government Thursday imposed a ban on the film following intelligence reports that it could lead to social disturbance.

The committee said till the time that the makers of the film bring the changes, the state government may continue with the ban.

The film, directed by noted director Prakash Jha, features leading Bollywood stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone.