The Multiplex Association of India has written to various state governments, seeking financial aid and assistance from them to the cinemas when they reopen after the lockdown is lifted.
The reliefs sought by the Association from the government include:
(i) reimbursement of employees’ salaries for the period of cinema closure, to the extent of 75%;
(ii) exemption on all taxes including GST, show tax and property tax for one year from the date of resumption of normal cinema operations;
(iii) a waiver on the minimum demand charges and electricity duty on electricity for a period of one year;
(iv) electricity at industrial rates instead of commercial rates;
(v) a blanket exemption for six months for renewal of licences and permits which expire during the lockdown period or their auto renewal.