The cash-strapped Andhra Pradesh government has sent notices to all viewers of news channels, asking them to pay Entertainment Tax.
“It has been brought to our notice that live coverage of political dramas, fasting and protests has been sufficiently entertaining you. Hence, you are directed to pay tax and contribute to nation-building,” the notice said.
The move coincided with dwindling revenues from film industry following a string of flops. Of late, even big budget movies involving reigning stars have bombed at the box office. According to a survey conducted by the Department of Mass Communications, Osmania University, a large chunk of traditional movie-goers have shifted their preference to news channels to get more fun at no cost.
This changing social trend prompted the government to introduce new taxation measure as part of a multi-pronged strategy to tide over financial crisis.
However, the move has come as a bolt from the blue for some citizens. “How can I be accused of being entertained when I am watching only Doordarshan?,” lamented a harassed viewer.
“It has been brought to our notice that live coverage of political dramas, fasting and protests has been sufficiently entertaining you. Hence, you are directed to pay tax and contribute to nation-building,” the notice said.
The move coincided with dwindling revenues from film industry following a string of flops. Of late, even big budget movies involving reigning stars have bombed at the box office. According to a survey conducted by the Department of Mass Communications, Osmania University, a large chunk of traditional movie-goers have shifted their preference to news channels to get more fun at no cost.
This changing social trend prompted the government to introduce new taxation measure as part of a multi-pronged strategy to tide over financial crisis.
However, the move has come as a bolt from the blue for some citizens. “How can I be accused of being entertained when I am watching only Doordarshan?,” lamented a harassed viewer.
A Spokesman of Prasar Bharati said the public broadcaster had a social responsibility to ensure that contents of its programmes remained boring, insipid, uninspiring and far from entertaining. “We will take up the matter with state government and seek tax exemption for viewers of Doordarshan,” the spokesman said.
