National Awards: Declaration post elections

The National Film Awards will probably be declared after the Lok Sabha elections when the ballot code seizes to be in force to make sure that the power of the media isn't utilized in a way which affects the extent taking part in field right through the election procedure, the Information & Broadcasting Ministry said Wednesday. The choices for the National Film Awards are made by means of an independent and independent jury consisting of eminent film makers and film personalities and declared within the month of April annually, the ministry said.

However, this 12 months elections to the 17th Lok Sabha and the legislative assemblies of four states are underway and the awards additionally come with one for the most film pleasant state.

"Since the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is in force, which facilitates level playing field to all political parties and the candidates and inter alia seeks to ensure that the power of media is not used in such a manner which affects the general conduct and level playing field during the election process, it has been decided to declare the awards after the election process is over and the MCC concludes," the remark said.

The MCC comes into force as quickly because the election time table is announced and remains in force till election results are declared. The results for the Lok Sabha polls will probably be announced on May 23.