Duty on DTH opposed in Punjab Assembly
March 13, 2010
Source: MM Network
By: Mediamughals
Punjab's ruling alliance of BJP and Sri Akali Dal faced objection on the imposition of entertainment duty on Direct to Home services in the state assemble from the opposition. Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira pointed that the act will strengthen the monopoly of Cable operators, which are run by ruling politicians.
He said the act is discouraging for DTH service which shares hardly 10% of the entertainment market. The major 90% market is hold by private cable operators. Despite being in minority, the entertainment duty would further make it difficult for the DTH to survive. He also stated the move as against right to freedom of expression.
The Punjab Entertainment Duty (Amendment) Bill, 2010, which provides for entertainment duty on DTH was also passed by the House. Stating it as a burden on the people while accessing entertainment, MLA Balbir Bhatt also opposed the bill.
However, Adesh Partap Singh Kairon from the side of governement reverted back on these accusations and said that the new entertainment tax on DTH will earn Rs. 15 crore revenue for the state government. |