Entertainment tax reduced for regional cinema in West Bengal

NEW DELHI: In a decision that will help boost regional cinema in the state, the West Bengal government has reduced entertainment tax to just two per cent of the value of each ticket for films in Bengali, Santhali and Nepali language.

In the notification which came into force on 9 April, the state government said it was being issued under section 3 of the Bengal Amusements Act 1922.

While benefiting the regional cinema, this notification may hit the exhibition of Hindi and English cinema in the state of West Bengal.

The present rate of Entertaiment Tax in Cinemas in West Bengal is 30 per cent on the value of the ticket for all films. But Bengali, Nepali and Santhali films were being charged 10 per cent on the admission charge. Theatres collect another Rs 3 for air conditioned hall, Rs 2.50 for Blower cooled hall, and Rs 2 for all other ordinary halls as service charge.