Karnataka plans 2% cess on movie tickets, TV channels for the welfare of cine workers

Cinema

The Karnataka government has floated draft rules to impose a 2 percent cess on cinema tickets and television channels, with the proceeds earmarked for cine workers’ welfare, according to the Labour Department.

The state government in a September 24 notification said that two percent cess on cinema tickets of all theatres including multiplex theatres and two percent cess on total transaction of television entertainment channels operating in the state of Karnataka will be collected.

The draft rules fall under the Karnataka Cine and Cultural Activists (Welfare) Act, enacted last year. The Act provides for the creation of a dedicated Social Security and Welfare Fund, financed through a 1–2 percent cess on movie tickets and subscription fees.

As per the draft rules, cine and cultural workers between the ages of 18 and 60 are required to register with the government. The term covers not just actors, musicians, and dancers, but also individuals engaged in skilled, unskilled, manual, or supervisory roles.

Registered cine workers will be entitled to a range of benefits, including accident coverage, assistance in case of natural death (with funeral expenses), educational support for children, maternity aid, and pensions.

The Act also provides for the creation of a Karnataka Cine and Cultural Activists’ Welfare Board, chaired by the Labour Minister, which the draft rules mandate must convene at least once every three months.