The Secretary of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry has asserted that the Ministry, being guided by the philosophy of ‘minimum government, maximum governance’, is committed to promote ease of doing business in the media and entertainment sector.
On the occasion of participating in a dialogue with CEO STAR India and veteran film maker Mr. Ramesh Sippy at FCCI Frames 2016 the Secretary said, “One of our primary objective is to bring down the number of visitors to Shashtri Bhavan to a tricle. Move towards less regulation and facilitate India to become the hub of media and entertainment industry.”
The Secretary of I& Broadcasting Ministry informed that the clearance for new TV channels had been speeded up over the last six months under a liberalized regime. According to I & B Ministry the Ministry of Home Affairs has agreed to most of the proposals made by it about liberalizing several conditions.
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The Secretary claimed that the Government and Ministry is was fully committed to digitization programme, but stated concern over less than 10% 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 Set Top boxes in India under the Electronics Manufacturing Scheme”. He asserted for that the Ministry aims to play a role of facilitator for this country.
The Secretary apprised that a decision had been finalized to set up the National Centre of excellence in Animation, Gaming and Visual Effects in Mumbai. Maharashtra Government is granting 25 acre land near Film city in Goregaon for the Institute. He also informed that the Union Government has sanctioned Rs. 598 crore National Film Heritage Mission to preserve and encourage Indian’s rich Film and cultural heritage.
The I & B secretary also told that a National Museum of Indian Cinema is coming up in Film Division Complex with several interactive exhibits. He informed, “Prime Minister has taken a keen interest in this museum which is being curated by the National Council of Science Museums, Kolkata”.
Paying attention on ease of doing business Mr. Secretary apprised that a Film Facilitation Office has been started in the National Film development Corporation (NFDC) to operate as a single window service for film related clearances. The Secretary further informed that an award had been instituted as part of the National Film Awards, to honour the State that are most film friendly. In 2016, Gujarat has been adjudged the most film friendly State, followed by UP and Kerala.
FICCI Frames is the annual conclave of media & Entertainment industry that attracts policy makers, producers, distributors, media and industry professionals in big numbers. The theme for 2016 is “Year of the Digital: change or Perish.
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