Maharashtra Cinema Act to be amended to facilitate ease of doing business: Shelar

The minister assured that the government will introduce comprehensive reforms to facilitate ease of doing business.

State Minister Ashish Shelar. (Source: File)

State Minister Ashish Shelar on Tuesday directed the Cultural Affairs department to submit a proposal to the Central Government seeking approval for amending the Maharashtra Cinema Act on the lines of Ease of Doing Business framework.

“The State Government is committed to replacing outdated licensing and regulatory norms for cinema halls, upgrading their facilities and safety standards and framing progressive policies that align with the evolving needs of the cinema industry,” Shelar said.

The minister was speaking at a meeting held at Mantralaya regarding the issues and demands raised by the Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association of India, Mumbai.

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Among the various demands raised were changes in licensing conditions, use of cinema halls and premises for alternative commercial purposes, a single-window system for licenses, construction permits, service charge regulations, schemes to promote the film industry, property redevelopment policy, modifications in entertainment tax and special regulations for single-screen cinemas.

The minister assured that the government will introduce comprehensive reforms to facilitate ease of doing business.

He also instructed that all concerned departments should be notified and action expedited accordingly.

Among those present at the Tuesday’s meeting were MLAs Dr Parinay Phuke, Raju Tosam, Umesh Yavalakar, Cultural Affairs Department Secretary Dr Kiran Kulkarni, Film City Managing Director Swati Mhase Patil, Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association president Tejas Karandikar, and senior officials from various departments.

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