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The Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting and Culture, Shri S. Jaipal Reddy has called for reduction in entertainment tax levied by State Governments and effective implementation of anti-piracy measures. He was delivering the Inaugural Address at the 25th Conference of State and UT Ministers of Information and Cinematography, here today. The Conference is an exercise by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting to know the views and to sensitize State Governments and UT Administrations on information, broadcasting and entertainment related issues. The Chief Ministers of Haryana, Delhi and Assam and Information Ministers from 23 States/UTs are participating in the Conference.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Reddy said that high entertainment tax rates (ETRs) are an impediment in accelerating the growth of entertainment industry. While a number of States have brought down their ETRs, several States still continue to maintain high ETRs, which is not conducive for the growth of entertainment industry, he said. As reduction in tax rates generally results in better compliance, the State Governments need not fear reduction in entertainment tax collections if they reduce the rates, the Minister remarked.
Calling for collective fight against the piracy menace, Shri Reddy said that piracy results in loss of revenue to owners of copyright and defrauds the State of collectible cess through various levels of production and sale. While the Ministry of I&B is there to guide and coordinate with the State Governments in anti-piracy measures, any action plan to check the menace will not yield desired results unless State Governments participate actively, the Minister stressed.
Shri Reddy urged the State Govts. and UT Administrations to cooperate in effective implementation of Cable television Network Regulation Act. Drawing the attention of delegates towards the TRAI’s recommendations on issues relating to broadcasting and distribution of television channels, he said that these recommendations were sent to all States and UTs for their views and comments. As only three States have responded so far, the Minister impressed upon the delegates to send their respective comments at the earliest.
To facilitate timely collection of annual statements from publishers of newspapers, Shri Reddy proposed that District Information Officers may also be authorized to collect the annual statements form the registered newspapers of their area and forward them to the Registrar of Newspapers for India for effective compliance.
To facilitate timely collection of annual statements from publishers of newspapers, Shri Reddy proposed that District Information Officers may also be authorized to collect the annual statements form the registered newspapers of their area and forward them to the Registrar of Newspapers for India for effective and faster compilation.
Raising the issue of high property tax rates being demanded by some States from Prasar Bharti, Shri Reddy called upon the States not to impose different types of taxes on the organization as it is funded by the Government of India. He also requested the State Govts. to provide land, uninterrupted power supply and adequate security to Prasar Bharti for it’s smooth operation and expansion.
The day-long official level deliberations yesterday were chaired by Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Shri Navin B. Chawla. The report on the proceedings/recommendations was presented for consideration at the Minister’s Conference.
RS/NSD/AS
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