The Uttar Pradesh state government has announced relaxation for reopening single-screen cinemas which have been closed for the last several years in the state. It is being said that the government will refund 28 percent GST for the first three years. After that, 25 percent GST of the normal rate will be charged for two years.

Cinema Halls

While talking about this, Agra’s District Entertainment Officer Ramdayal Rawat said, ‘Government records show that 552 single screen cinemas in UP are in bad condition and many of these have been closed. To provide affordable entertainment to the middle-class people and to raise revenue for the state at the same time, the government has decided to refund GST to those owners who are willing to restart their business’.

Cinema Halls

According to the government policy that is implemented to improve the status of theatres, cinemas that will require complete reconstruction to restart will be given a 100 percent refund for three years and 75 percent for the next two years. Cinemas that require only internal remodeling will be given a 75 percent refund for the first three years and a 50 percent refund for two years after that.

Cinema Halls

Apart from this, according to media reports it is being claimed that the state government of Uttar Pradesh will soon restart the old closed cinema halls in the state without repair or reconstruction work and can get 50 percent tax benefits for three years. Through this initiative of the government, on one hand, the people of the state will get a means of entertainment and on the other hand, the government will get revenue. While talking about this one of the officials said that the scheme should be such that favourable opportunities for investment can be created. The condition of a minimum number of seats fixed for cinema halls should be relaxed.