(a) whether the Union Government has generated income from the various private cable
network companies;
(b) if so, the details thereof during each of the last three years till date, State and
Union Territory-wise;
(c) whether the Government has any monitoring agency to check and inspect the modus
operandi of these cable network companies;
(d) if so, the details thereof;
(e) if not, the reasons therefor; and
(f) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI P. R. DASMUNSI)
(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. However, no separate statistics on the total amounts received from
various private cable network organizations in the country are centrally maintained. Local
cable network operators are required to seek registration/renewal in Post office by paying
Rs.500/- per annum. Taxes of Local Self Government/State Government and Central Government
are also applicable on them.
(c) to (f): The Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, contains provisions to
regulate the operation of cable television networks in the country and for matters connected
therewith or incidental thereto. The cable operators are required to conform to the provisions
of the said Act in their operations. The Act provides for authorized officers to take action
for violation of certain provisions of the Act.