(a) whether the Government propose to provide financial assistance to film industry to
overcome the influence of underworld mafia;
(b) if so, the details thereof ; and
(c) the other steps taken or propose to be taken by the Government to check the nexus
between the film producers and the underworld mafia?
THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING (SMT. SUSHMA SWARAJ)
(a) (b) & (c) In order to facilitate the 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, where under the `Entertainment Industry including Films` has
been specified as an approved activity under `Industrial Concern` in exercise of the powers
conferred by Section 2(c) (xvii) of the IDBI Act. The Department of Economic Affairs (Banking
Division) has asked the IDBI to evolve well-recognized and acceptable standards to enable
financial institutions to fund ventures relating to the film industry. The Department of Economic
Affairs (Banking Division) has also asked the RBI along with the IDBI to circulate necessary
guidelines to banks in this regard.
To help the film industry to function along organized lines, an Advisory Group
comprising key representatives of the film sector has been set up to advise the Ministry on policy
and other issues relating to the film industry. A Committee for development of the Entertainment
Sector has been set up, in addition under the Chairmanship of the Minister for Information and
Broadcasting comprising State Ministers for Information and Public Relations from nine States.