The 80-year-old Kannada film industry has reasons to rejoice with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah meeting its major demands in the State Budget 2014–15 presented on Friday.
The government-organised Bangalore International Film Festival (BIFFes) will have a permanent venue in the days to come.
Mr. Siddaramaiah has earmarked Rs. 10 crore for developing multiplex theatres with four-screen facility to organise BIFFes, and to establish a film museum in Amrutotsava Bhavan that is under construction at Nandini Layout.
Film cityThe dream of the Kannada film industry to have its own film city in Bangalore is back in focus with the announcement of its construction at Hesaraghatta.
To facilitate exhibition of Kannada films, the government has proposed to provide incentives and encourage entrepreneurs interested in building Janata cinema halls in district and taluk headquarters.
A proposal has also been made to institute annual award to promote short films.
Health insuranceThe government proposes to launch a separate health insurance scheme for accredited journalists and their families, and enhance pension being given to retired journalists from the present Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 6,000.
An allocation of Rs. 5 crore has been made to develop a high-tech media centre at Varta Soudha.
