Direct to Home [DTH] operators will have to cough up five per cent of their gross receipt as entertainment tax to Orissa government’s coffer. This was decided in the cabinet meeting chaired by chief minister, Naveen Patnaik on Thursday. State finance minister Prafulla Chandra Ghadei said the government will amend the entertainment tax laws to bring DTH operators under its fold.
Tata Sky, Zee TV and Dish TV both have existing operations in Orissa. The state government has brought cable television operators within the ambit of the entertainment tax from October 1, 2006. Cable operators pay 5% of their gross receipts.
The Cabinet also endorsed a slew of measures for urban poor. The state government proposed to launch Biju Saharanhcal Bidyutkaran Yojna [Biju Urban Electrification Scheme] in the next fiscal with an investment of Rs 39.7 lakh per annum. Similarly, it will implement PIYUSH Yojna to provide drinking water facilities to urban poor at an affordable cost.
In a significant decision, the Cabinet decided to legalize unauthorized water connections taken by urban dwellers within 180 days by charging them Rs 500 per household. Those applying for new connections will get response from authorities within seven days about the viability of water connection.
