Uniform ticket rates for multiplexes, minister changes stand

Karnataka Information and Infrastructure Minister Roshan Baig today stepped back from his stand to introduce uniform ticket rates at multiplexes on the lines of the system in Tamil Nadu.
"If we want good ambiance in the theatres, clean toilets and other facilities while watching a film, we have to pay more," he told reporters here.
However, regulation can be applied on new multiplexes, he added.
On April 24, the Minister had stated that the government planned to introduce uniform ticket rates at multiplexes on the lines of the system in Tamil Nadu.
He had flayed multiplexes for charging "exorbitant" rates citing that, in Tamil Nadu, ticket rates are controlled by the government with a cap on the maximum rate at Rs 120.

The Minister contended that good facilities cannot be provided if the ticket rates are cheap. "I had been for movie at a multiplex and found good and clean facilities there. If the rates are cheaper, they cannot provide good facilities," he added.

On government's plan to start its own cable television network, Baig said he planned to offer 100 channels for Rs 100 and would be meeting the Union Telecom Minister next month to discuss the issue.
Baig said the government was aware of the fleecing done by cable operators charging Rs 400 to Rs 500 per month promising to air upto 500 channels.

Baig said he would meet Union Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapati Raju on December 30 to discuss under-construction and building infrastructure at airports in the state.
"I will raise the issue of upgradation of airports at Mysuru, Hubballi, Belagavi and other places," he said.
The Minister said it was necessary to upgrade airports at Bidar, Kalburgi, Shivmogga, Vijayapura to allow operation of more aircraft. "In some of the airports there is need for extending the runways," he added.
The government was keen on providing midday meals at subsidised rate to college students. "While each meal will cost Rs 13.50, we plan to charge Rs 5 per meal from students," he said.

Baig also said an international convention centre on 35 acres will soon come up near Kempegowda International Airport at Devanahalli for holding international conferences, seminars and meetings by corporate houses.
Of the 419 acres of government land near the airport, 35 acres will be allotted for the project, Baig said. The centre will also house budget and five-star hotels.
The proposal was made by Department of Tourism in 2007 and the estimated cost of constructing the convention centre at present was Rs 500 crore and may go up to Rs 600 crore, he said.