Bengaluru: The Karnataka Governor has officially approved the Karnataka Cine and Cultural Activists (Welfare) Act, 2024, which introduces a cess of up to 2% on movie tickets and OTT subscription fees. The revenue collected from this initiative will be directed towards supporting cinema and cultural artists in the state.
The Act aims to provide financial aid and welfare measures for individuals in the film and cultural sectors, many of whom have faced economic hardships. The funds will be allocated to programs designed to improve the livelihood and welfare of these artists.
This decision has received mixed reactions. While some industry members have welcomed the move as necessary for supporting artists, others have voiced concerns about potential increases in ticket prices and subscription costs for consumers. The new cess is expected to be implemented soon across Karnataka.