On June 1, the production houses and studios based in India got a jolt. This is because the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) discontinued the priority (Tatkal) scheme with immediate effect. Applications already submitted under the Tatkal scheme will continue to be processed, but no new applications will be accepted from June 1. While a section of filmmakers has welcomed the order, it has also sparked concerns over whether censor certificates will now be issued on time.In February 2026, there were reports that the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting had decided to abolish the Tatkal scheme, but didn’t announce when it would take effect. The scheme was introduced on March 15, 2024, to facilitate urgent certifications. As time passed, a growing number of films began to be submitted under the Tatkal scheme.An industry source told Bollywood Hungama, “Applying under the Tatkal scheme became the new normal and it overburdened the system. The smaller producers were unhappy as they were also compelled to apply under it. But while one has to pay around Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 40,000 for regular application, one needs to pay 3x for Tatkal certification. Hence, the small-time producers would be forced to cough up almost a lakh or more to get a certificate on time. As a result, many complained about what they felt was a misuse of the Tatkal scheme.”The source continued, “Hence, a section of filmmakers is happy that the scheme has been discontinued. But it has also led to fe