Sancheti’s pursuance compels Govt to bring OTT platforms under I&B Ministry

Principal Correspondent :

Perturbed by the obscenity reflected in several TV serials, movies or other entertainment programmes shown on Television, Nagpur’s Business tycoon and former Rajya Sabha Member Ajay Sancheti ran a letter campaign. Finally Government brought Over The Top (OTT) platforms under the ambit of Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B), headed by Prakash Javadekar.

Sancheti who doesn’t get much time to watch TV and who believes mostly in reading books or spending good family time watched one serial on TV long ago. He was taken aback when he got to listen filthy language in the serial. He immediately wrote a letter to Union Minister Prakash Javadekar sent on April 16, 2020 a month after the lockdown. In his letter addressed to Javadekar, Sancheti appreciated the stand taken by Central Government especially during coronavirus pandemic.

He said, “I would like to extend my sincere thanks and congratulations to the Government most ably by Prime Minister Modiji for the immediate measures taken to combat the Covid-19 virus.” Later Sancheti pointed out, “However I am distressed to observe that on a number of occasions, the language used in programmes broadcast on TV is filthy, obscene and needless to say, leaves one embarrassed, while watching the same with other family members. I learnt to my utter dismay that these private streaming channels can be accessed even by children below 16 years of age.

I am sure you will agree with me that there are better ways of expressing displeasure or anger on screen other than using foul and crude language. I totally disagree with the argument that use of foul language gives a ‘real’ touch to the scene.” While talking to ‘The Hitavada’ Sancheti said, “Such things make an impact on children’s mind and damage the family atmosphere, I believe. Now Government came up with the decision of bringing OTT under the ministry is a welcome move. It will help in curbing the menace.”