New Delhi, Feb 16 (IANS) Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni Thursday said she was willing to go in a delegation of filmmakers to Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee over the government's proposal to levy 10.3 percent service tax.
Speaking on the sidelines of a function, Soni said she was not aware if the film industry would go on strike Feb 23 to protest the government's proposal to levy service tax of 10.3 percent, but added, "I have offered that we can all go together to finance minister".
"They (filmmakers) have apprehension that service tax of about 10 percent will be levied in the coming budget. They do not want this. I had spoken to Mahesh Bhatt yesterday (Wednesday). Whether they will go on strike or not, I don't know," said Soni.
She was speaking on the sidelines of a function where the information and broadcasting and tourism ministries Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance the reach of 'Incredible India' campaign through cinema.
Soni also said that she was willing to go to Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee with a delegation from the film industry.
"I have offered we can all go together to the finance minister. We also have to understand compulsions of the finance minister," Soni said.
She pointed out that the finance minister has been talking about funds needed for welfare measures of the government, including right to food, right to education and his position "was also tight."
Having said that, Soni added: "I have offered that the information and broadcasting ministry will team up with the film industry...I am willing to put all my energy along with film industry."
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