A delegation of Kannada film industry, led by B. Vijayakumar, president, Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, has placed 14 demands before the State government, including an increase in the number of films under subsidy scheme, waiver of value-added tax (VAT) and service tax, and abolition of show tax.
Single-screen theatres
Among other demands is a package for the revival of single-screen theatres.
Mr. Vijayakumar told The Hindu that the delegation met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and submitted a memorandum to him recently.
Subsidy for more films
In view of the significant increase in the number of films being produced in the State, they demanded an increase in the number of films under subsidy from 75 to 100. “We have demanded waiver of VAT as 96 per cent of films being produced are incurring losses,” Mr. Vijayakumar said. A demand was also made seeking allocation of a minimum of Rs. 25 lakh for renovation of existing single screen theatres, in view of single screens making way for multiplexes.
“Extending financial assistance will help protect 600 existing single screens,” he added.
