Channels asked to be sensitive in portraying differently abled

On complaints against TV channels for inappropriate portrayal of people with disabilities, Broadcasting Content Complaints Council (BCCC), the self-regulatory body for non-news channels, has asked the broadcasters to be sensitive in depicting differently abled people.
In an advisory, the BCCC said that adequate protection is necessary to avoid content which may be distasteful, harmful and offensive to persons with disabilities.
"The Council has dwelt upon portrayals of persons with disabilities in TV programmes, which sometimes, leads to a caricature... Humour should not be created through any undesirable depiction of persons with disabilities," it said.
It also asked channels to look at the inclusion and mainstreaming of persons with disabilities in TV programmes.

Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995, lays down the law to safeguard the rights and facilities of persons with disabilities.
The BCCC also said it had received complaints regarding the alleged misuse of National Flag, National Emblem, National Anthem and wrong depiction of Map of India in TV programmes and asked channels to not air any content that may amount to wrong depiction.
The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, and the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Act, 2005, lay down guidelines for the usage, depiction and portrayal of National Flag, National Emblem and National Anthem, it said.