Cess on cinema tickets, OTT fees for welfare of artistes

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: The Karnataka state government has announced a new cess on cinema tickets and OTT (Over-The-Top) subscription fees to support cinema and cultural artists.

The cess, set between one and two per cent, will help fund social security programmes for film workers. Labour Department Secretary Mohammad Mohisin mentioned that the cess might also apply to theatrical performances statewide.

The revenue from this initiative will be used to create the 'Karnataka Cine, Cultural Workers Social Security & Welfare Fund.' This fund will be managed by the Karnataka Cine and Cultural Workers Welfare Board, which includes the Minister-in-charge and the Labour Department commissioner.

The Karnataka Film Workers Artistes and Technicians Union estimates that about 2,355 workers are employed in the state’s film industry