Amid the clamour around the hike in entertainment tax in the national capital, Sandeep Marwah, chairman for media and entertainment committee, Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC) and member executive council, says the government should cut down on the rates so that media can flourish.
"The major issue is that we want low and symmetrical rate of entertainment tax all over the country, although it is a state subject. We have been fighting it statewise. But isn't it a big fight? Around 29 states are fighting for nothing," Marwah told IANS on the sidelines of IACC's "The Soft Power Summit" here.
Earlier in June, the Delhi government hiked the entertainment tax in the capital from 20 percent to 40 percent.
Marwah, who is also the owner of Marwah Studios, added that the government should be "reasonable" when it comes to the rates on entertainment tax.
"Why can't the government of India propose to all the states to please cut down on the rates on entertainment tax. Be reasonable, humble and polite to the industry so that it can grow," he added.
About the theme of the summit, which focused on a variety of crucial topics covering the media and entertainment sectors in both India and the US, Marwah said: "When we talk about US, we are still looking at them as an idol, because their entertainment is still number one".
Lalit Bhasin, president of IACC's North India Council, also added that the entity's strategy is to "foster bilateral ties" between India and US.
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Besides Marwah and Bhasin, actor-politician Shatrughan Sinha was expected to be a key speaker at the event. However, he could only make a brief appearance.
Established in 1968, IACC is the apex bilateral chamber synergising India-US Economic Engagement. The "Soft Power Summit" is part of the IACC charter of enabling and facilitating the growth of the Indo-US strategic partnership articulated by US President Barack Obama and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.