A file photo of the Andhra Pradesh assembly. (ANI/File)
Amaravati: In a move to regulate online movie ticket pricing, the Andhra Pradesh Assembly on Wednesday passed the AP Cinemas (Regulation) (Amendment) Bill 2021. The bill will give administration of online movie ticketing system for the state government which will help to check exploitation of moviegoers.
Transport Minister Perni Venkataramaiah, who tabled the Bill on behalf of Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, said that the government brought the amendment to regulate ticket pricing and stop the exploitation of middle-class people by some exhibitors.
He cited the current scenario of irregular ticket pricing, number of screenings, unauthorised shows, and even large gaps between the taxes and film collections.
In order to regulate these, the government has decided to introduce a transparent online ticketing system, on the lines of Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC), and the Indian Railways online ticketing system, to keep a check on tax evasions, and enhance the movie theatre experience in the state, he said.unauthorized the
The proposed online ticketing system will enable the public to book tickets through mobile phones without queuing up at theatres or burning their pockets by buying tickets in black, he said.
The minister said that all stakeholders like producers, distributors, and exhibitors have welcomed the decision but a few political parties are still to politicalise the matter, although they were not related to the issue.
He stated the online booking system will be maintained by the Film Development Corporation (FDC) with a dedicated payment gateway to stop the tax evasion and enable the Revenue Department to collect taxes on time, without any irregularities.