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Central Government takes measures to promote entertainment industry
MUMBAI: With the intent of promoting the entertainment industry of India the Central Government has taken up various measures making it easier for the industry to explore avenues.
The measures taken up by the government are:
– Institutional and bank financing are now accessible to the entertainment industry.
– 100 per cent foreign direct investment through automatic route has been permitted in the film sector.
– Government has led participation in global markets, like Cannes Film Market, American Film Market, Berlin Film Market, Film Bazaar, etc., with a view to enhance the visibility of our film industry.
– Film weeks and festivals will be held in with various countries.
– An audio-visual co-production agreement has been signed with Republic of Italy and United Kingdom and similar proposals from other countries are being explored to expand avenues of finances and markets for the Indian Film Industry.
– The Committee for Development of Entertainment sector, a sub-committee of the State Information Ministers’ Conference (SIMCON) set up to suggest policy framework for the film industry, recommended for reduction of entertainment tax, steps to counter piracy in the film sector, to facilitate foreign film shooting in India, etc. Through our vigorous effort the prevailing level of Entertainment tax has been reduced and the procedure has been simplified. The period required for granting permission to shoot foreign feature films in India has also been reduced.
– The National Film Development Corporation, a public sector undertaking under this ministry will provide limited funding for films and oversee the integrated growth of the film industry in tune with the objectives of national economic policy.
– Five core groups have been constituted to look into the various aspects of the film industry and suggest measures to promote the film industry.
Local/regional Kendras of Doordarshan are promoting local artistes in the field of drama and music by providing them opportunities to participate in various in-house productions meant for the entertainment of viewers.
Such entertainment programmes have also been produced/procured under different schemes like commissioned programmes, self-finance commissions, acquisition of programmes, Royalty etc.
In the area of local programming, All India Radio (AIR) through 82 local radio stations caters to the needs of the local people radio stations and people even in remote areas taking into consideration the oral, folk and traditional forms of entertainment. AIR maintains archives of folk music.
This Information was given by Minister of Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs P R Dasmunsi in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
