Cultural Affairs Department will formulate an entertainment policy for Maharashtra, Cultural Affairs Minister Amit Deshmukh has said. While details are yet to be revealed, the Cine & TV Artists Association (CINTAA) has welcomed the move.
Mr. Deshmukh said that the policy will cover films, serials, OTTs, theater, folk art, documentaries, and advertisements. The policy will be drafted by Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari. After the draft of policy submitted to the Department of Cultural Affairs the policy will be presented to the Cabinet. As the entertainment sector provides employment to many, the sector needs to be given the status of an industrial sector as well as concessions to small and medium enterprises. Necessary action will also be taken by the Department of Cultural Affairs to declare this area as an industrial area.
Mr. Deshmukh further said that, while expanding the Single Window System Scheme, a study should be done on whether the permits issued by the Central and State Governments can be given in one place. At present, Single Window System Scheme is being implemented in Mumbai and Mumbai suburbs. In the second phase, the scheme will be implemented in Pune, Nashik, Ahmednagar, Satara, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts, while in the third phase, it will be implemented in the remaining districts.
Up to 25 per cent concession in rent should be given – Minister of State
Responding to a demand for reducing rent as producers have incurred huge losses during the lockdown, the minister said shooting in Chitranagar will be done at a discount of up to 25%.
Appointment of technical experts and skilled manpower for Chitranagari and formation of panels, reduction of filming rates for filmmakers, the appointment of Chief Security Executive Officer at Chitranagari, the opening of restaurants in Chitranagari, the introduction of internships for various courses, improvement of Chitranagari rental concession system and Various issues such as efforts to increase revenue were also discussed at the board meeting.
Responding to the news, CINTAA said in a statement issued over the weekend, “The decision of the Maharashtra Government to formulate a comprehensive policy for the Entertainment sector and expedite the procedure of extending “Industry” status to the sector, has come in at the most appropriate time for the fraternity. We are upbeat & overwhelmed with jubilation. This positive announcement made by Shri Amit Deshmukh Cultural Minister Government of Maharashtra is a welcome move and undoubtedly will bring in progressive ramifications to the sector.”
“CINTAA, the oldest and most reputed one has strived very hard to get support for the betterment of the Fraternity in general and the actors community in particular. Realizing the challenges faced and to be on par with other sectors, the idea to have an Industry status for us has always been our foremost objectives and our pursuit has always been rationale driven. Our efforts have been truly paid. We congratulate the Cultural Ministry and other stakeholders of Maharashtra who have taken this pragmatic decision,” it added.