IMPPA writes to Maharashtra government on concerns over subsidy to Marathi films

Here’s the letter written to Culture Minister, Maharashtra Government by IMPPA on concerns over subsidies given to Marathi films in the state.

Most Urgent & Important

Shri Amit Deshmukh Ji

Hon’ble Minister Cultural Affairs

Mantralaya

Government of Maharashtra

Mumbai.

Dear Sir,

Re: Urgent need of formation of committee for approval of subsidy of Marathi Films

As your kind self is aware Marathi film industry has revived in a big way because of the subsidy for Marathi films provided by the Government of Maharashtra which subsidy is what has enabled Marathi film producers to survive despite very poor market conditions and due to subsidy being available more and more producers are planning and starting new Marathi films in the hope of receiving substantial amount as subsidy from the Maharashtra Government but unfortunately subsidy payment has stopped fully from 3 years and no producer has received any subsidy in this period and more than 300 films are already eligible and have applied for the subsidy but no reply has been given to them.

The reason for this sorry state of affairs is the fact that for the last 3 years the committee which is supposed to view, evaluate and decide the amount of subsidy payable to eligible films has not been formed and as the committee is non existent there is nobody to take any action with regard to payment of subsidy and the producers are not able to do anything as they are fully eligible to receive subsidy but the same is being denied because the Government has not deemed it fit to appoint the committee to approve the subsidy due to which all Marathi producers are facing many hardships and financial problems on account of non fulfillment of promise of payment of subsidy by the Maharashtra Government.

We on behalf of our members and all Marathi film producers request your kind self to kindly initiate urgent and immediate action to form the Subsidy Approval Committee so that the committee may evaluate and ensure that the commitment made by the Maharashtra Government to the Marathi film industry is fulfilled as it is most important to provide incentives for the growth and survival of the Marathi film industry and we are sure at a time when various other states in India and Countries in the World are offering heavy subsidies and facilities to all film makers willing to shoot in their territories, it becomes all the more important that the Maharashtra Government realizes that not honoring its commitment of providing subsidy shall lead to total loss of confidence in the Government itself besides damaging the progress that the Marathi industry has made with the hope of getting the subsidy.

We also wish to inform you that it is very important that the Maharashtra Government clearly and specifically informs all concerned that all Marathi film producers who are members of IMPPA (which is the oldest association in existence since 1937 and is thelargest association of film producers having numerous Marathi Film Producers) will also be eligible for payment of subsidy as presently there is an impression that only members of Marathi Chitrapat Mahamandal are eligible for subsidy which creates a major imbalance and unfavorable atmosphere for members of other producers association as their application for subsidy for Marathi film produced by them are not considered for subsidy which situation needs to be corrected and you are kindly requested to instruct all the concerned departments, officials and associations that Marathi films produced by members of all producers associations shall also be eligible for subsidy for promotion of Marathi films of the Government of Maharashtra.

We are sure your kind self will form the committee immediately and approve steps to ensure that all films which are in line for receipt of subsidy are considered and paid subsidy if eligible as this will keep the Marathi film industry growing towards prosperity and survival thereby making Marathi culture and traditions more and more popular.

Kindly do the needful in the matter at the earliest and oblige.

Thanking you,

Yours faithfully,

For INDIAN MOTION PICTURE PRODUCERS’ ASSOCIATION

(T.P. AGGARWAL) PRESIDENT