The Information & Broadcasting Secretary, Sunil Arora asserted that I&B Ministry was also guided by the ‘minimum government, maximum governance’ philosophy and remained committed to promoting ease of doing
business in the media and entertainment sector.
“One of our primary objectives is to
bring down the number of visitors to ShastriBhavan to a trickle. Move
towards less regulation and facilitate India to become the hub of media
and entertainment industry” said Arora.
Arora said clearance for new TV channels
had been expedited over the last six months under a liberalized regime.
He said the Ministry of Home Affairs has agreed to most of the
suggestions made by the I&B Ministry about liberalizing several
conditions.
Arora said the government and ministry
was completely committed to digitization programme, but expressed
concern over less than 10 per cemt share of Indian made Set Top Boxes.
“We want the industry to look at this opportunity under the Make In
India initiative and produce more STBs in India under the Electronics
Manufacturing scheme”.
Arora stressed that the Ministry intends
to play a role of a facilitator for the media and entertainment
industry to flourish in the country.
He informed the audience that a decision
has been taken to set up the National Centre of Excellence in
Animation, Gaming and Visual Effects in Mumbai. Maharashtra Government
is providing a 25 acre land near Film City in Goregaon for the
institute.
I&B Secretary also said the
Government has approved the Rs 598 crore National Film Heritage Mission
to preserve and promote India’s rich film and cultural heritage.
He also said a National Museum of Indian
Cinema is coming up in Films Division Complex on Pedder Road with
several interactive exhibits. “Prime Minister has taken a keen interest
in this museum which is being curated by the National Council of Science
Museums, Kolkata” he added.
Focusing on ease of doing business,
Arora informed that a Film Facilitation Office has opened in the
National Film Development Corporation, NFDC to function as a single
window service for film related clearances. The Secretary said an award
has been instituted as part of the National Film Awards, to honour the
states that are most film friendly. In 2016, Gujarat has been adjudged
the most film friendly state, followed by UP and Kerala.
Uday Shankar, who is also the Chairman
of the FICCI Entertainment Panel expressed concerns over the viability
of standalone news channels. He also said entry of fringe elements in
the news broadcasting field for ‘ancillary facilities’ was affecting
credibility. Mr. Ramesh Sippy expressed concern over low theatre
density in India.
Sunil Arora, Secretary, The
Information & Broadcasting Secretary, share his views while
participating in a dialogue with Uday Shankar, CEO Star India and
veteran film maker Ramesh Sippy at FICCI Frames 2016
