(a) the efforts made by the Government to promote the
entertainment industry;
(b) whether the Government proposes to implement scheme to promote
local programmes in the entertainment industry;
(c) if so, the details thereof;
(d) if not, the reasons therefore; and
(e) the measures taken by the Government in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF INFORMATION & BROADCASTING
(DR. S. JAGATHRAKSHAKAN)
(a) Indian film industry, being largely in the private sector,
Government plays a facilitative role in its promotion. Government of
India by its 11th Plan Scheme “Participation in Film Market in India and
Abroad†has promoted the Indian films among the foreign markets by
organizing India Pavilion that provided a platform to the Indian producers
for networking and to market their products among the foreign buyers.
Further, through another Plan Scheme “Participation in Film Festivals
in India and Abroad†numerous Indian film festivals have been organized
in different parts of the world where Films under Indian Panorama are
screened every year. Besides, under Cultural Exchange Programmes (CEP)
signed with various countries, Indian film festivals are organized in
different parts of the world.
Promoting digitalization of various delivery platforms of broadcasting
services is one of the major thrust areas of this Ministry. To address
the drawbacks in the existing analogue Cable TV services, the Ministry
is implementing digitalization with addressability in the cable TV sector
in a phased time bound manner with sunset date for complete switch off
of analogue services by December, 2014. Digitalisation of cable TV
services brings with it a high quality viewing experience to the viewer
enabling him to enjoy a wider and a-la-carte- choice of TV channels
suited to his family environment and budget. It also makes possible
delivery of a wide variety of value added and interactive services and
niche content catering to the needs of different sections of society.
The transparency of subscriber base helps in reducing the disputes amongst
services providers and ensures better tax compliance. This would also act
as a catalyst for the growth of the television media industry. The Ministry
has also announced policy guidelines for expansion of FM radio broadcasting
service through private agencies (Phase-III). A total of 839 new FM radio
channels shall be launched in addition to the already existing 245 channels.
This would provide entertainment and information to people even in remote
areas in the country. This initiatives will give an impetus to the growth
of media entertainment industry.
(b) & (c) With a view to promoting good films with local content,
this Ministry has executed an 11th Plan scheme “Production of Feature
Films in Various Regional Languages†through National Film Development
Corporation, a PSU under Ministry of I&B, by allocating a sum of Rs. 36
crores for production of 15 feature films in various regional languages
and 3 films in Hindi/English languages.
Prasar Bharati (DD), the public broadcaster, has inter-alia, been mandated
to provide wholesome entertainment in regional languages to public at large.
The Prasar Bharati has been fulfilling this mandate through its various
regional AIR and Doordarshan Kendras.
(d) & (e) Does not arise.