BJP MLC Tara Anuradha pressed for development of the Kannada Film Industry in the Legislative Council on Tuesday by appealing for a range of schemes to help workers in the industry.
The appeal included the inclusion of the industry for skill development and livelihood and imparting benefits like ESI, free education for their children, Provident Fund etc for industry workers. She also urged for technological advancement in the working of the industry and for the government to help find solutions to improve its working.
Tara, an actor turned politician is known for her work in Kannada cinema. She appealed to Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, a producer in the Kannada film industry, and actor-turned politician Jayamala, who is currently the Women and Child Welfare Minister and Kannada and Culture Minister to take up the appeal to help the ailing Kannada film industry. She made the appeal during the first Legislative Council meeting.
“People can be trained to become technicians and assistants in the industry,” Tara said while speaking in the assembly. Her suggestion was welcomed by members of all parties who took part in a lengthy discussion on the topic of rejuvenating the industry.
She further questioned the government about the outstanding demand for the construction of a film city. “Film City, which is a long-pending demand, is yet to be realised. The government failed in developing a Film City on the vast land allocated in Hesaraghatta. The previous Congress government announced its plan of developing a Film City in Mysuru. Now the present coalition government has announced it will be shifted to Ramanagaram. When and where will we have a Film City finally?” she reportedly asked, according to The Hindu.
Tara also urged for a technological revamp in the industry's workings, including introducing a ‘single-window system’ to obtain permission for film shooting. In neighboring states including in Mumbai, anyone who wishes to shoot a film can gain permission within 15 days through an online portal which links various government departments. A similar portal is absent in Karnataka where filmmakers have to go through an extensive process to obtain all necessary permissions for shooting.
She further insisted on mandatory reservation of screens for regional films including Tulu films and flagged the high ticket prices in multiplexes in the state. However, Minister for Social Welfare Priyank Kharge informed her that the state government's move to place a cap on ticket prices at multiplexes was being challenged by the Multiplex Association of India in the Supreme Court.
Meanwhile Jayamala indicated that a Comprehensive Act for the film industry will address many of the issues raised.