Govt sets up panel to examine copyright issues

Facing opposition from certain sections of film fraternity over the proposed amendment to Copyright Act, the government today set up a panel of experts, including Bollywood star Aamir Khan, to examine the issue and submit a report.

Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Kapil Sibal set up a ten-member committee comprising film actor Aamir Khan, producer Mukesh Bhatt, lyricist Javed Akhtar, script writer Anjum, director Vishal Bharadwaj among others.

The committee was formed today after a delegation of film fraternity met Sibal in Mumbai and aired their concerns over the proposed amendment to the Act which will mandate users to pay royalty to the creator for use everytime, a senior HRD Ministry official said.

The representatives of the film fraternity were of the view that the proposed amendments will affect certain loss-making ventures which were using the material which have already been available in the market.

But Sibal sought to allay their fears saying that artistes are creators and have the right to be paid royalty when their products are used.

The Cabinet has already approved a proposal to bring an amendment to the Copyrights Act 1957. The government has proposed to introduce the amendment Bill in the ensuing session of Parliament.

This committee will examine all aspects and submit its report for the consideration of Parliament.