Information and Publicity

Policy Note - 2006 - 2007

Demand No. 28

GOVERNMENT FUNCTIONS

The Government honours martyrs who fought for nation’s freedom, leaders who toiled for the cause of society and language and eminent scholars by paying homage on their birth and death anniversaries. On these occasions, their statues are garlanded on behalf of the Government.

The statues of the following leaders are being garlanded on behalf of the Government.

Every year, in the districts, celebrations especially marking the birth anniversaries of leaders are orgainsed. They are:- Veeran Alaghumuthukone birthday celebrations at Kovilpatti in Thoothukudi district, V.O.Chidambaranar birthday celebrations at Ottapidaram, Veerapandiya Kattabomman birthday celebrations at Panchalangkurichi, Veeran Sundaralingam birthday celebrations at Gowarnagiri, Mahakavi Bharathi birthday celebrations at Ettayapuram, Rebel Muthuramalinga Sethupathi birthday celebrations at Ramanathapuram, Adiperukku vizha in memory of Deeran Chinnamalai at Odanilai in Erode district, Valvilori festival at Kollimalai in Namakkal district, Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday at Chennai and all districts, Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar’s birthday celebrations in Madurai and Ramanathapuram districts and Mootharignar Rajaji birthday celebrations at Thorapalli in Krishnagiri district.

MULTIMEDIA PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN

By co-ordinating the various departments in the Government and for providing a platform to them to reach out to the people, Multimedia Campaigns as well as Mini Photo Exhibitions are organised in the districts. Publicity campaigns are also taken up during these days.

During the mass contact programme of the District Collectors, multimedia campaigns are held simultaneously.

DISTRICT PUBLICITY CO-ORDINATION COMMITTEE

In order to upgrade the standard of living of the people, especially the poor, the Government has a bouquet of programmes. Government takes efforts to propogate these programmes so as to make people benefit by them.

In order to co-ordinate such publicity work, District Publicity Co-ordination Committees have been constituted under the Chairmanship of respective District Collectors. The Committee, convened once in a month, discusses and decides various strategies to be adopted for effective publicity.

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TAMIL NADU GOVERNMENT FILM AWARDS

In order to encourage the Tamil Film Industry, the Government of Tamilnadu has instituted Film Awards to the best Tamil feature films, actors, actresses and technicians from the year 1968 onwards. Every year, a committee is constituted by the Government to select the best feature films, actors, actresses and technicians. The following awards are presented to the films selected by the Committee.

1. First Prize .. Rs.2 lakhs and a memento

2. Second Prize .. Rs.1 lakh and a memento

3. Third Prize .. Rs.75,000 and a memento

4. Special Prize .. Rs.75,000 and a memento

A cash award of Rs.1.25 lakh is awarded as special prize to a Tamil film which portrays the upliftment, development and dignity of women.

A five sovereign gold pendant and a memento are presented to the selected actors, actresses and technicians. Dubbing Artistes (both male and female) have been included for these awards from the award year 2000. New awards for Best Character Artiste (Male), Best Character Artiste (Female) and Best Comedy Artiste (Female) were set up from the year 2001. Cash awards of Rs.50,000/- as first prize, Rs.25,000/- as second prize and Rs.10,000/- as third prize are given to films depicting planned family values.

VETERAN AWARDS

Veteran awards are presented in the name of Arignar Anna, Kalaivanar, Raja Sandow, Makkal Thilagam M.G.R., Kavignar Kannadasan, Nadigar Thilagam Sivaji Ganesan and Thiagaraja Bhagavathar who have left indelible record in the history of Tamil film industry and won the hearts of the millions.

GOVERNMENT SUBSIDY

To encourage production of low-budget films and inculcate social consciousness, the Government of Tamil Nadu is implementing a scheme of granting subsidy to such films. Every year, a Selection Committee is constituted by the Government to select quality Tamil films. Every selected film is granted a subsidy of Rs.7 lakhs.

EXEMPTION OF ENTERTAINMENT TAX

To encourage production of low budget quality Tamil films, exemption from payment of entertainment tax is given for a period of four weeks from the date of release of the eligible films.

GOVERNMENT’S CONCESSIONS TO TAMIL FILM INDUSTRY

1. The low budget quality Tamil feature films are granted subsidy at the rate of Rs.7 lakhs each.

2. Entertainment tax is exempted to low budget quality Tamil feature films for a period of four weeks from the date of release of the eligible films.

3. Cash awards, gold medals, mementos and certificates are presented to the best Tamil films, actors, actresses and technicians.

4. Veteran Awards are presented to the doyens of film industry.

5. Permission is granted for film shooting in Government premises under single window system.

6. Committees have been constituted at district level and state level to resolve disputes in film industry.

7. A sum of Rupees one lakh is granted from the Chief Minister’s Public Relief Fund to the family of stunt actor who die during film shooting. A sum of Rs.50,000/- is granted if he becomes incapacitated.

8. On the representation of Film & TV industry and to encourage them, orders have been issued recently reducing the fees to be paid for out door shooting.

9. In order to provide fillip to the Film Industry and to further interest in Tamil language, new films with titles in Tamil have been granted full exemption from Entertainment tax from 22.7.2006 onwards.

CHAPTER - 8

TAMIL NADU FILMS DIVISION

Tamilnadu Films Division produces News Reel Bulletins and Video News Magazines that document important events and various Welfare Schemes launched by the Government of Tamilnadu.

Previously, 12 Video News Magazine of 20 minutes duration and 6 Films in 35mm of 10 minutes were produced every year. From 2004–2005 onwards, orders have been issued to produce 12 numbers of Video News Magazine and 12 numbers of films in 35 mm.

Apart from this, the Video News Magazines are recorded in C.D. and 60 Copies were sent to all District Public Relations Officers for Field Publicity. Action has been taken to produce 350 copies of C.D. for field publicity through District Information & Public Relations Officers. For this purpose, a VCD Multi Copies system at the cost of Rs.5.00 lakhs has been purchased.

75 Copies of 35 mm Films were produced and distributed for release in theatres all over Tamilnadu through Central Government Films Division.

Based on the request made by various departments and undertakings of the Government, 35mm Colour films and Video films are also produced

CHAPTER - 9

M.G.R. FILM AND TELEVISION INSTITUTE

The Film and Television Institute of Tamil Nadu, run by the Government is one of the three popular Institutions in the Country imparting training in the various techniques and announces of Film and Television Production. The other two Institutions are run by the Government of India at Pune and Kolkatta. The Film and Television Institute of Tamil Nadu has been renamed as "M.G.R. Film and Television Institute" recently as per the Budget Announcement of 2006-2007. M.G.R. Film and Television Institute is functioning under the administrative control of Director of Information and Public Relations, Government of Tamil Nadu.

This Institute conducts courses on various aspects of Film Production. The Details of Courses and Qualifications required for admission are as below:

All the Diploma Courses conducted by this Institute are recognised by the All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE), New Delhi.

Admission of selected students is approved by the Directorate of Technical education and the Directorate conducts diploma examinations every year and awards diploma certificates to the successful candidates.

One student from each stream form a team and they are trained to produce a complete film. As per the syllabus, each team of final year students produce a Diploma Film as part of their Project Work. Government sanctions a sum of Rs.15.00 lakhs for the Production of Students’ Diploma Films every year.

Some of the Diploma Films produced by the students of the Institute have won International and National Awards.

The Government have also sanctioned a sum of Rs.75,000/- every year for sending films produced by the students to participate in the National and International Film Festivals.

The Government of Tamil Nadu is presenting an Award of One Sovereign Gold Medal, Rs.5,000/- and a memento to the Best Film Processor of the Short Films produced by the students of this Institute.

The alumni of this Institute shine well in established and reputed Institutions like Doordharshan Kendra, Film Industry and Private TV Channels.

CHAPTER - 10

TAMIL ARASU

Tamil Arasu serves as a mass media disseminating information regarding the activities of various departments and the achievements of the Government.

Tamil Arasu publishes the achievements of the Government, speeches of His Excellency the Governor of Tamil Nadu, Hon’ble Chief Minister and Hon’ble Ministers. It also carries literary essays, news on health, short stories and the announcements of the Government policies, welfare schemes, programmes and details of developmental works being implemented in the Districts.

An exclusive press with modern machinery is functioning for printing of Tamil Arasu Journal. Apart from this, Special publications, pamphlets, Government invitations and brochures on developmental activities are also printed in this Press.

The Tamil edition of Tamil Arasu is a monthly magazine and the English edition is quarterly. The cost of a single copy of Tamil Issue is Rs.10/- and that of English is Rs.15/-. The annual subscriptions are Rs.120/- and Rs.60/- respectively.The life subscriptions (10 years) for Tamil and English editions are Rs.1,000/- and Rs.500/- respectively.

The total number of subscriptions as on 30.5.2006 are 68,965. Out of them, 44,473 are life subscriptions.

Tamil Arasu magazine is now being webcast on Tamil Nadu Government official website.

CHAPTER - 11

district information and public relations offices

Announcements of new welfare schemes by the Hon’ble Chief Minister to uplift the economic well being of the poor are being implemented expeditiously by the government.

These new schemes, activities and achievements need to reach the people living in the remote villages. 30 offices of Information and Public Relations in the districts swiftly work to facilitate the extension of these programmes to the people.

In keeping with the advancement in science and technology, the District Public Relations Offices are being modernized. New computers, colour television sets and digital cameras have been provided.

Training is provided through the National Informatics Centre to the concerned on the effective use of computers.

CHAPTER - 12

INFORMATION CENTRES

There are six Information Centres in Tamil Nadu. They are functioning in Chennai, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Thanjavur, Coimbatore and New Delhi under the control of this Department.

STATE INFORMATION CENTRE

State Information Centre, an important wing of the Information and Public Relations Department, is functioning in a portion of Kalaivanar Arangam. This Centre has over 17,500 books, both in English and Tamil. The library in this Centre is open to the public from 10.00 AM. to 5.45 PM. on all working days. The books and records maintained in this Library cater to the needs of various sections like the public, students, persons preparing for competitive examinations, offices of the Hon’ble Chief Minister and other Ministers, Senior officers of Government and Tamil Arasu Press. Biographies, Autobiographies, books on Science, History, Philosophy, Medicine, Technology, Law, Accountancy, Mathematics and Computer are available here. Novels, Dictionaries and Encyclopaedia are also stocked here. Daily newspapers, weekly and monthly magazines for reference by children, students and research scholars are available. On an average 100 readers visit this centre everyday. To benefit those who are in search of suitable employment, Employment News, Books on competitive examinations and results of such examinations are made available for reference.

For the use of various departments of the Government and research students, magazines and periodicals that are more than two years old are preserved here. Every year, books are purchased from various publishers to make this library more useful to the readers. Books and pamphlets highlighting various welfare schemes and programmes of the Government are kept here for reference. To make this Centre more useful to the public, efforts are being taken to purchase books on various subjects besides providing computer facility to the readers.

MAHAKAVI BHARATHIAR NINAIVU ILLAM

The house located at Door No.83, Thulasinga Perumal Temple Street in Triplicane, Chennai where Mahakavi Bharathiar once lived was acquired from private party by Government and has been thrown open to the public.

187 photos depicting Bharathiar’s life have been displayed in 30 showcase panels. Number of visitors visit this Memorial everyday and fondly recaptulate the contribution of Bharathi.

To facilitate conducting of Seminars, Literary Discourses, Debates, Release of Books, etc. a small hall to accommodate 300 persons has been put up in the rear side of the Memorial. To provide chairs, sound and light equipments, a sum of Rs.500/- is being collected from the organisers of such events as rent. During the year 2004-2005, Rs.7.5 lakhs for improvement and Rs.2.16 lakhs for electrical works have been allotted and the Memorial was given a face lift after completion of the above works. All efforts have been taken to perpetuate the memory and glory of Bharathiar. At present, arrangements have been made to play the poems of Bharathiar and reverberate the melody of his remembrance.

CHAPTER - 13

Cinema, video and cable television networks

Film Industry is one of the major industries in Tamil Nadu and Tamil Nadu is one of the largest producers of Films in Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada and Hindi. The cinema Industry contributes considerable revenue to local bodies and to the Government. Viewing of movies in Cinema Theatres is an important mode of entertainment for persons in lower and middle-income groups. Government have therefore been providing for the growth of variety and quality in the Film Industry.

In Tamil Nadu, 1633 Cinema Theatres are functioning under the following categories:

i. Permanent Cinema theatres - 1293

ii. Semi-Permanent Cinema theatres - 109

iii. Touring Cinema theatres - 221

iv. Open Air Cinema theatres - 10

Total - 1633

The Tamil Nadu Cinema (Regulation) Act, 1955 and the rules framed there under and the Tamil Nadu Cinemas (Regulation) Rules, 1957, provide for proper maintenance of Cinema Theatres, including structural soundness of buildings, with basic amenities.

The Government’s objective is that the cinema goers should be entertained in a hygienic atmosphere, and they should enjoy the movie comfortably. Hence, the Government have issued instructions to all the licensing authorities to organize a joint inspection of the theatres, and to take stern action against the theatre licensees who do not maintain the theatres properly. Since Cinema is one of the popular means of entertainment and since the patrons pay considerably for such entertainment, it would not be unreasonable to expect the licensee of theatre to maintain the theatres in a hygienic and proper condition and to ensure that proper facilities are provided. Since several complaints are being continuously received about poor maintenance of toilet facility, lack of ventilation, non-functioning of a/c etc. the Government in their letter No.35964/Cinema1/2002/1 Home Department dated 16.4.2002 have issued instructions to all the Licensing Authorities to organize a joint inspection of the theatres and to take stern action against theatre licensees who do not maintain the theatres hygienically and who do not provide proper facilities.

The Government have also issued instruction to all the Licensing Authorities to follow the instructions issued in Government letter (D) No.664, Home (Cinema. I) Dated 22.9.1997 and G. O. MS. No. 922 Home (Cinema. I) Dated 24.8.2000 to avert fire accidents in Cinema Theatres for the safety of cine going public. The Government have further issued instructions to all the Licensing Authorities and Superintendents of Police to make surprise inspection when new films are released in theatres to detect violations in terms of additional seats provided over and above the authorized seats, and take actions against the violation of rules then and there.

The Government have ordered the re-introduction of maintenance charges at Rupee 1 for a/c and 0.50 paise for non-a/c theatres.

VIDEO ACT AND RULES

To regulate the exhibition of films on Television Screen through Video Cassette recorders in the State of Tamil Nadu and for matters incidental or ancillary thereto, the Government have enacted the Tamil Nadu Exhibition of Films on Television Screen through the Video Cassette Recorders (Regulation) Act 1984. This Act provides for the grant of licenses to individuals for exhibition of films on Television Screen through Video Cassette Recorders and for running Video Libraries. The District Collectors/ Commissioner of Police, Chennai act as the Licensing Authorities. No license is necessary for the purpose of any exhibition of films on Television Screen through Video Cassette Recorder for domestic purpose to the family members of households.

VIDEO PIRACY CELL

i) The Video Piracy Cell, CB CID, Tamil Nadu was created as per G.O. MS. No. (3D) 16, Home (Cinema.II) dated 17.2.1995. Now it is functioning under the direct control of the Additional Director General of Police, Crime, Chennai. The Government directed that the services of this cell should be utilized to check the violations relating to the Copy Right Act/ Information Technology Act 2000. There are twelve Units of Video Piracy Cell functioning now. The headquarters and jurisdiction of all twelve units of Video Piracy Cell are as follows:

ii. To control video piracy, Acts like the Copy Right Act,1957, the Tamil Nadu Exhibition of Films of TV Screen through V.C.R. and Cable T.V. Network (Regulation) Act,1984 and the Cinematography Act,1952 are invoked.

iii. The following are the functions of the Video Piracy Special Cell

1. Collection of intelligence regarding pirated VCDs.

2. Verification of information furnished by the film producers.

3. To conduct raid and arrest the accused.

4. Seizure of incriminating materials.

5. Follow-up action-Remand of the accused and filing charge sheet in the Court after completing the investigation and

6. To attend to the trial of the cases in the courts of Law.

iv. Steps have been taken to coordinate with the customs department at International Airports in the State for curbing smuggling of pirated DVDs/VCDs from abroad.

v. In a few long distance buses in the State, new movies are shown by using pirated cassettes and VCDs. Action has been taken against such long distant buses and frequent checks are made to stop this practice. The Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation has been addressed to ensure that such activities do not take place in the State Transport Corporation Buses. The details of the cases registered against bus operators for such illegal screening of films in buses using pirated VCDs, since 2004 are given below:

CASES REGISTERED BY VPC SINCE 2004

CABLE TELEVISION NETWORK SYSTEM

The Government of India have enacted the Central Cable Television Network (Regulation) Act 1995 and Rules 1994, which is applicable all over India. According to it, the Head Post Master is the Registering Authority. As per the amended Cable Television Network (Regulation) Act of 2000 (Act of XXXVI of 2000) District Magistrates, Sub-Divisional Magistrates and Police Commissioner, Chennai have been designated as Authorised Officers to take action against offending Cable Television Operators for contravening Section 3,5,6 or 8 of the Act.

CONDITIONAL ACCESS SYSTEM (CAS)

CAS is an addressability system required for viewing the desired pay channels by subscribers. It will enable the viewers to pay only for the channels they wish to view. For viewing pay channels a "Set Top Box" (STB) is required while no STB is required for viewing free channels. This ensures that subscribers get minimum 30 free to air channels at a cost of Rs.72/-

Cable Television-Withdrawal of Tamil Nadu Acquisition Transfer and Taking over the Administration of Cable Television Network (including Multiple Service Optical Transport System)Bill, 2006:

His Excellency the Governor of Tamil Nadu returned the Bill on 24.4.2006, as the Bill is in the realm of occupied field in view of the Cable Television Network (Regulation) Act, 1995 enacted by the Parliament under entry 31 of Ist list of the Seventh Schedule of the constitution. This subject under issue on which the legislation has been passed by the State Legislature, falls within legislative competence of the Union Government. Therefore, the State Government cannot legislate on this subject. Keeping the above in view as well as the Madras High court Judgement in Arumugam Vs. Senior Post Master, Karur, during 2000; and the fate of the Tamil Nadu Exhibition on Television Screen through Multi-System Operations, Video Cassette Recorder, and Cable Television Network (Regulation) Bill, 2002; it has been decided by the Government to withdraw the said Bill.

CONCLUSION

The Information Department that functions as the eyes and ears of the Government, shall endeavour to further the immediate reach of the Government’s Welfare Schemes. It will enable the people to be aware of the tender notices by posting them on the Website. It will integrate the efforts of other departments by formulating plans for the effective use of Information Centres. The Public Relations Offices will be geared up to understand the needs of the people and convey them to the Government. In short, this Department will strive to fulfill this Government’s lofty efforts to implant smile on the lips of those living in the lowest strata of the society.