Relief for film sector; relaxation in entertainment tax, actors including Mohanlal express gratitude to chief minister

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government has decided to exclude the entertainment tax to be paid by theatres from 2021 January to March. The decision has been taken on the high-level meeting helmed by the chief minister. The fixed electricity charge on the 10 month period when theatres were closed will be reduced by 50 per cent and the rest could be paid in instalments.

The property tax to be paid by theatres to the local body governments could be paid within 2020 March 31st in instalments. The state government cannot make a decision on professional tax but it has extended the last date for renewal of various licences, including local body institutions, electrical inspectorate, films division, building fitness, health and fire force to March 31st.

Representatives of Kerala film chamber of commerce had conducted talks with chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on various demands. Following this, chief minister convened another meeting involving ministers and KSEB chairman, in which the decision to declare required relaxations for the film industry was finally ratified. Expressing gratitude to chief minister actors such as Mohanlal and Prithviraj wrote on facebook.