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Time of India

Marathi Drama Censor Board Goes Online Without Notice, Playwrights Left in the Dark

Nagpur: In a move that caught the Marathi theatre community off guard, the Rangbhoomi Prayog Parinirikshan Mandal — Maharashtra's official censor board for drama — introduced an online system for the submission and certification of scripts. However, the change sparked confusion and anger among playwrights and amateur theatre groups, who said it was implemented without any formal communication or public notice. Until now, playwrights were required to submit three physical copies of their newly written scripts to the board's office, where they were reviewed by senior theatre experts for approval or necessary modifications. Recently, the board introduced a fully digital process, requiring playwrights to submit scripts online and pay the processing fees digitally. "This is a welcome change, no doubt," said veteran theatre activist Ajay Dhawane. "But how can the board make such a major change without informing the artists? A colleague of mine recently went to submit a script and was told that offline submissions were no longer accepted. With the 64th State Drama Competition forms to be issued from August 1, shouldn't the board at least release a press note," he asked. Shyam Chavan, another senior theatre artist, questioned the readiness of the online system. "Does the portal even function smoothly? They should have run it on a trial basis for a couple of months. With so many competitions lined up, any technical glitch will lead to unnecessary chaos," he said, adding that basic details like file size, format, and submission guidelines have not been shared. "Even the board's contact numbers go unanswered," Chavan added. In response, Rangbhoomi Mandal member from Nagpur and senior theatre activist Sanjay Bhakre clarified to TOI that both online and offline submission options are currently available. "The online facility is for the convenience of theatre professionals. It is being introduced as an additional option, not a replacement," he said. Meanwhile, a senior official from the Directorate of Cultural Affairs confirmed that a detailed circular explaining the new process will be issued soon. "Online submission will gradually become the norm, but we are aware of the confusion and will clarify it officially," the official said. BOX DRAMA'S DRAMA State Theatre Censor Board has introduced an online system for script submission and fees Many playwrights and theatre artists unaware, as no official press note was issued Artists faced confusion when physical submissions were refused Board members clarified that both online and offline options are currently available Directorate of Cultural Affairs will soon issue a detailed circular