The Hindu : Front Page : `Transfer censorship powers to State list'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Sep 25, 2006
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`Transfer censorship powers to State list'

Special Correspondent

State authorities alone can judge if parts of film are acceptable or not: Karunanidhi

CHENNAI: Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi urged the Centre to transfer powers to censor movies to the State list.

Speaking at a function organised by the Tamil film world here on Saturday to felicitate him, he said the issue was highlighted several years ago at the State autonomy conference in Chennai.

It was pointed out that the State Government should be vested with the powers to censor films and it was wrong on the part of the Centre to retain them.

State censor authorities alone would be able to judge if certain parts of a film could be allowed or deleted on the basis of their acceptability to the culture of the State, Mr. Karunanidhi said.

Autonomy

A detailed resolution on State autonomy was moved by Murasoli Maran at the conference and the issue remained unresolved, he said.

Recalling Maharashtra Governor S.M. Krishna's participation in the conference on his invitation, Mr. Karunanidhi requested him to extend a helping hand in the efforts to achieve more powers for the States.

Prefers place in heart

Referring to the remarks of some film personalities on his refusal to sit on the silver throne presented to him at the function, Mr. Karunanidhi said he would like to retain his place in the hearts of film artists rather than occupy a chair made of precious metal.

He would dedicate his life to the cause of Tamil people, their language, literature and culture.

Mr. Krishna said Mr. Karunanidhi was held in great esteem by the people in the country as he championed the cause of the oppressed.

Thanked

Film star Rajinikant thanked the Chief Minister for various concessions announced by him for the film world.

Actor Kamal Haasan commended the Chief Minister for his dedicated service to the people.

K. Balachander, Ilayaraja, Bharathiraja, Manorama, Sarojadevi, Vaali, Vairamuthu and A.V.M.Saravanan spoke.

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