(a) whether the Government have formulated a plan to protect film industry from influence of
black money and underworld;
(b)if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether officials of her Ministry have undertaken a foreign visit to study the functioning of
media channels in these countries; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and the outcome of the visit.
THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING (Smt. SUSHMA SWARAJ)
(a) and (b): `Police` is a State subject as per the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India and, as such,
registration, investigation, detection and prevention of crimes is primarily the responsibility of the State
Governments. Nevertheless, in order to facilitate a greater flow of institutional finance to the film industry,
Notification dated 16.10.2000 was issued by the Department of Economic Affairs (Banking Division),
Ministry of Finance, whereunder the `Entertainment Industry including films` has been specified as an
approved activity under `Industrial Concern` in exercise of powers conferred by Section 2(c) (xvii) of the
IDBI Act. The Industrial Development Bank of India has evolved guidelines to enable banks and financial
institutions to fund proposals for financing of film production.
(c) Yes, Sir.
(d) Officials of this Ministry visited London for this purpose. During the visit, discussions centered on
state-of-art technologies and afforded the officials an opportunity to understand DTH operations, cable
operations, digital terrestrial transmission as well as public service broadcasting system undertaken by
British Broadcasting Corporation.