Question : Cartoon TV Channels

(a) the number of Cartoon TV channels which have been issued licenses during the last three years and the number of channels functional out of them;
(b) the number of Cartoon TV channels which have either stopped functioning or surrendered their licences;
(c) whether watching cartoons have lasting effects on the children;
(d) if so, whether the Government has made any assessment regarding the impact of cartoon channels on them and if so, the details and outcome thereof;
(e) whether the Government proposes to regulate/limit the telecast of cartoon programmes by private channels/ Doordarshan in accordance with the examination schedule of children and if so, the details thereof; and
(f) the remedial measures taken/ being taken by the Government in this regard?

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING {COL. RAJYAVARDHAN RATHORE (Retd.)}

(a) & (b): The Government grants permission to TV channels only under 2 categories: “News & Current Affairs” and “Non-News & Current Affairs”. There is no separate categorization such as cartoon channels, sports channel, etc. with regards to grant of permission. However, “non-news and current affairs” channels are permitted to air programmes of any nature including cartoon, provided the content of the programme adheres to Programme code stipulated under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995.

(c) & (d): Research does indicate that watching cartoon has both negative and positive effects. However, the Government is not aware of any study/research which conclusively proves that watching cartoons or any such other programme have lasting effect on children.

(e) & (f): Presently there is no such policy.

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