Filmmakers and actors who were part of the 38 short films that have been produced for the State Small Savings Department were honoured here recently.
Presenting them awards, Finance Minister K. Anbazhagan said the Small Savings Department has been taking measures to inculcate the habit of savings among the people.
The films, he observed, would go a long way in sensitising those living in rural areas to the need to plan their investment prudently.
Responding to an appeal from the Producers' Guild to exempt short films from entertainment tax, he said the State government has been helping the film industry in many ways and steps would be taken to waive the tax for short films.
Role of women agents
A.Rahman Khan, Vice-Chairman, Department of Small Savings, said there were 35,000 women agents in the department and they have been playing an integral role in the department's growth.
Mayor M. Subramanian said Small Savings departments of other States have approached the department seeking dubbing rights for all 38 short films.
The films are a pointer of the growth of the department.
Noting that a new administrative office is coming up near Ripon Building, he said the Small Savings Department would be located in the building.
M. S. Ramanujan, Postmaster General, Chennai City Region, said the films were made with a right mix of entertainment and social message to attract the masses.
Core banking solutions
Observing that the Postal Department has been taking various measures to promote its saving schemes, he said the department would introduce core banking solutions in 400 post offices in the State.
Producers and actors of the short films, including actor-directors ‘Nizhalgal' Ravi and Nirosha were honoured.
Nearly 120 advertisements have also been produced as part of the initiative, which will be sent across to 700 digital theatres in the State. Four films will be screened at the Elliots Beach at 7 p.m every day till June 18.
The films will also be taken to various parts of the State, said C. Uma Shankar, State Small Savings Department Commissioner.
