The Karnataka government has taken a significant step towards supporting workers in the film and cultural sectors by approving a new levy on cinema tickets. The state cabinet, in a meeting held on Thursday, cleared amendments to the Karnataka Cine and Cultural Activists (Welfare) Act, paving the way for a 2 percent cess to be applied on tickets sold at multiplexes.
Funding Welfare for Unorganised Workers
According to Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil, the revenue generated from this new charge will be directed to the Karnataka State Unorganised Workers Social Security Board. The primary objective is to finance various welfare programs designed for the benefit of employees and artists working in the cinema and cultural fields, who often lack formal social security structures.
The legislative vehicle for this change, The Karnataka Cine and Cultural Activists (Welfare) Amendment Bill, 2025, is scheduled to be presented before the legislature. The bill will be tabled in the upcoming winter session, which is set to commence on December 8.
Relief for Bengaluru Water Consumers
In a separate but major decision aimed at providing relief to residents, the cabinet also gave its nod to a 'One Time Settlement' scheme for consumers of the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB). This scheme is designed to address long-pending water bills.
Under this initiative, the government will waive off a substantial Rs 262.68 crore in interest that has accumulated for consumers who have delayed their payments. The total outstanding amount owed to the BWSSB was Rs 701.71 crore, of which the principal water bill amount constituted Rs 439.03 crore.
Minister Patil announced that the settlement scheme will be open for a period of three months. This move is expected not only to provide financial relief to consumers but also to help the civic body shore up its funds by recovering the principal dues.
Other Key Cabinet Decisions
The cabinet's agenda included several other important approvals. A sum of Rs 100 crore was sanctioned for the operation and maintenance of landfill sites under the Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited, addressing critical urban infrastructure and environmental concerns.
Furthermore, the cabinet also moved to implement the 'Karnataka Non-Major Ports Iron Ore Handling Policy-2025', a decision aimed at streamlining and regulating the handling of iron ore at the state's non-major ports.
These collective decisions highlight the state government's focus on both cultural worker welfare and pressing civic issues in Bengaluru, setting the stage for a busy winter session of the legislature.
