MUMBAI: With the intent of promoting the entertainment industry of India the Central Government has taken up various measures making it easier for the industry to explore avenues.
The measures taken up by the government are:
- Institutional and bank financing are now accessible to the entertainment industry.
- 100 per cent foreign direct investment through automatic route has been permitted in the film sector.
- Government has led participation in global markets, like Cannes Film Market, American Film Market, Berlin Film Market, Film Bazaar, etc., with a view to enhance the visibility of our film industry.
- Film weeks and festivals will be held in with various countries.
- An audio-visual co-production agreement has been signed with Republic of Italy and United Kingdom and similar proposals from other countries are being explored to expand avenues of finances and markets for the Indian Film Industry.
- The Committee for Development of Entertainment sector, a sub-committee of the State Information Ministers' Conference (SIMCON) set up to suggest policy framework for the film industry, recommended for reduction of entertainment tax, steps to counter piracy in the film sector, to facilitate foreign film shooting in India, etc. Through our vigorous effort the prevailing level of Entertainment tax has been reduced and the procedure has been simplified. The period required for granting permission to shoot foreign feature films in India has also been reduced.
- The National Film Development Corporation, a public sector undertaking under this ministry will provide limited funding for films and oversee the integrated growth of the film industry in tune with the objectives of national economic policy.
- Five core groups have been constituted to look into the various aspects of the film industry and suggest measures to promote the film industry.
Local/regional Kendras of Doordarshan are promoting local artistes in the field of drama and music by providing them opportunities to participate in various in-house productions meant for the entertainment of viewers.
Such entertainment programmes have also been produced/procured under different schemes like commissioned programmes, self-finance commissions, acquisition of programmes, Royalty etc.
In the area of local programming, All India Radio (AIR) through 82 local radio stations caters to the needs of the local people radio stations and people even in remote areas taking into consideration the oral, folk and traditional forms of entertainment. AIR maintains archives of folk music.
This Information was given by Minister of Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs P R Dasmunsi in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha.
