Mathrubhumi: Kochi: Friday, 29 March 2024.
A recent RTI reply from the Local Self-Government Department (LSGD) suggests that the state government has no proper data on entertainment tax and cess collected from movie theatres. It is alleged that most theatres are not prompt on tax and cess payment and LSGD remains clueless about data.
The state government has imposed an 8% entertainment tax on every cinema ticket and Rs 3 cess is collected for the welfare fund. The Right to Information (RTI) Act query sought the year-wise data of entertainment tax and cess collected by theatres and their payments to the government. The data for the last 10 years was sought and LSGD replied that no information was available. Also, the reply came after a four-month delay.
Earlier, LSGD had data on tickets sold. However, with the coming of online booking apps and
websites, the department is clueless on the matter.
The government recently pushed mobile app named ‘EnteShow’ and a website for cine-goers to book movie tickets as a solution to resolve the issue. The main advantage is that the app will provide the government, film producers, and theatre owners with a precise picture of how many tickets are being sold.
The plan was to make all theatres in the state accessible via the app for ticket booking by January. However, many theatre operators opposed the move, and the government is not seen as proactive in pursuing its original plan. It is also alleged that online booking sites and apps are lobbying against the move.
A recent RTI reply from the Local Self-Government Department (LSGD) suggests that the state government has no proper data on entertainment tax and cess collected from movie theatres. It is alleged that most theatres are not prompt on tax and cess payment and LSGD remains clueless about data.
The state government has imposed an 8% entertainment tax on every cinema ticket and Rs 3 cess is collected for the welfare fund. The Right to Information (RTI) Act query sought the year-wise data of entertainment tax and cess collected by theatres and their payments to the government. The data for the last 10 years was sought and LSGD replied that no information was available. Also, the reply came after a four-month delay.
Earlier, LSGD had data on tickets sold. However, with the coming of online booking apps and
websites, the department is clueless on the matter.
The government recently pushed mobile app named ‘EnteShow’ and a website for cine-goers to book movie tickets as a solution to resolve the issue. The main advantage is that the app will provide the government, film producers, and theatre owners with a precise picture of how many tickets are being sold.
The plan was to make all theatres in the state accessible via the app for ticket booking by January. However, many theatre operators opposed the move, and the government is not seen as proactive in pursuing its original plan. It is also alleged that online booking sites and apps are lobbying against the move.
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