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Information and Public Relations Department
Policy Note - 2002-2003
Chapter - 3
memorials
Statues and Memorials have been established by the Government, to honour the leaders who toiled for the Nation’s freedom and served for the welfare of the society. 37 Memorials, 2 Arangams, 4 Commemoration Pillars and 1 Memorial Park have been established so far. These Memorials are under the control of the Information and Public Relations Department and maintained by the Public Works Department. The following Memorials, Arangams, Commemoration Pillars and the Memorial Park are under the control of this department.
1. Perarignar Anna Memorial and Perarignar Anna Museum, Chennai.
2. Bharatha Ratna Dr. M.G.R. Memorial, Chennai
3. Valluvar Kottam, Chennai
4. Kalaivanar Arangam, Chennai
5. Rajaji Hall & Seerani Arangam, Chennai
6. Gandhi Mandapam, Guindy, Chennai
7. Rajaji Memorial, Guindy, Chennai
8. Kamarajar Memorial, Guindy, Chennai
9. Mozhippor Thiyagigal Manimandapam, Guindy, Chennai
10. Thiyagigal Manimandapam, Guindy, Chennai
11. Kamarajar Ninaivu Illam, Thiyagaraya Nagar, Chennai
12. Periyavar M. Bhakthavatchalam Memorial, Chennai
13. Mahakavi Bharathiyar Ninaivu Illam, Triplicane, Chennai
14. `Vellaiyane Veliyeru’ Eyakka Ponvizha Commemoration Pillar, Gandhi Mandapam Campus, Guindy, Chennai
15. Golden Jubilee of India’s Independence Commemoration Pillar (Near War Memorial) Chennai
16. Golden Jubilee of India’s Republic Commemoration Pillar (Near Gandhi Statue) Chennai
17. Perarignar Anna Ninaivu Illam, Kancheepuram
18. Muthumandapam - Vikrama Singha Raja Memorial (the last Tamil King of Sri Lanka), Vellore
19. Anna Kalaiarangam, Vellore
20. Commemoration Pillar of Sepoy Mutiny, Vellore
21. Rajaji Illam, Thorappalli, Dharmapuri District
22. Periyar-Anna Memorial, Erode
23. Thiruppur Kumaran Memorial, Thiruppur, Coimbatore District.
24. ‘Rationalistic Poet’ Udumalai Narayanakavi Manimandapam, Udumalaippettai, Coimbatore District.
25. Va.Ve. Subramaniyam Memorial, Trichirappalli
26. Thillaiyadi Valliyammai Memorial, Thillaiyadi, Nagapattinam District.
27. Namakkal Kavignar Ramalingam Ninaivu Illam, Namakkal
28. Pattukkottai Kalyanasundaram Manimandapam, Pattukkottai, Thanjavur District.
29. Kaviyarasu Kannadasan Manimandapam, Karaikkudi, Sivagangai District.
30. Thavathiru Kundrakkudi Adigalar Manimandapam, Kundrakkudi, Sivagangai District.
31. Maruthupandiyar Memorial, Thiruppathur, Sivagangai District.
32. ‘Thiyagi’ Viswanathadas Ninaivu Manimandapam, Thirumangalam, Madurai District.
33. ‘Thiyaga Seelar’ Kakkan Manimandapam, Thumbaippatti, Madurai District.
34. Poolithevan Ninaivu Maaligai, Nelkattumseval, Thirunelveli District.
35. Kamarajar Illam, Virudhunagar, Sivagangai District.
36. Bharathi Manimandapam, Ettayapuram, Thoothukkudi District.
37. Bharathi Illam, Ettayapuram, Thoothukudi District.
38. V.O.C. Illam, Ottappidaram, Thoothukudi District.
39. Gandhi Ninaivu Mandapam, Kanniyakumari.
40. ‘Perunthalaivar’ Kamarajar Manimandapam, Kanniyakumari
41. ‘Sathavathani’ Seiguthambi Pavalar Ninaivu Mandapam, Nagercoil, Kanniyakumari District.
42. ‘Pothuvudamai Veerar’ P. Jeevanandam Manimandapam, Nagercoil, Kanniyakumari District.
43. Memorial Park in Kayathar, Thoothukudi District where Veerapandiya Kattabomman was hanged.
44. Periyar Memorial, Vaikkam, Kerala State
Total Memorials : 37
Arangams : 2
Commemoration Pillars : 4
Memorial Park : 1
In order to up-keep the memorials established by the Government, action has been taken to maintain some Memorials through Public Works Department under the control of the Information and Public Relations Department and a proposal is being considered by Government.
A proposed is under the consideration of the Government to handover some of the Memorials to the concerned Local Bodies for proper maintenance and to increase the revenue.
‘Kanniyathirkuriya’ Quaid-e-Milleth Manimandapam has been constructed at a cost of Rs.50 lakhs in the vacant land belonging to the Government, situated in the Quaid-e-Milleth Government Women’s Arts College Complex, Chennai and it will be opened after the completion of
facade of this Memorial.
Anna Kalai Arangam, Vellore is renovated at a cost of Rs.10 lakhs and opened on 19.11.2001.
Rs.35 lakhs has been sanctioned and the land has been acquired for the construction of a Manimandapam for Veeran Azhagumuthukkone in Kattarangulam, Thoothukudi District, and the construction work has been started.
A proposal is under the consideration of the Government to construct a Manimandapam in Memory of the freedom fighter, ‘Chekkizhutha Chemmal’ V.O.Chidambaranar, in Thirunelveli.
Chapter - 4
TAMIL NADU GOVERNMENT FILM AWARDS
In order to encourage the film industry, the Government have instituted Film Awards to the best Tamil feature films, actors, actresses and technicians from the year 1968 onwards. Every year a committee is constituted by the Government to select the best feature films, actors, actresses and technicians. The following awards are presented to the selected films :-
1. First Prize ... Rs.2,00,000 and a memento
2. Second Prize ... Rs.1,00,000 and a memento
3. Third Prize ... Rs.75,000 and a memento
4. Special Prize ... Rs.75,000 and a memento
5. Special Prize to a film that portrays efficacious virtues of women folk ... Rs.1,25,000 and a memento
6. First Prize to a film on small family norm or planned family ... Rs.50,000
7. Second Prize to a film on small family norm or ... Rs.25,000 planned family
8. Third Prize to a film on small family norm or planned family ... Rs.10,000
A five sovereign gold medal and a memento are presented to each selected actors, actresses and technicians.
Film and T.V. Institute Students Awards
In Order to encourage the students of Film and Television Institute of Tamil Nadu an award of One Sovereign gold medal, Rs.5,000/- cash and a memento are presented from the year 1998-99 to the best Director, Cinematographer, Sound Recordist, Editor, Film Processor and Actor of the short films produced by the students as part of their practical training.
Veteran Awards
Veteran awards are presented in the names of Arignar Anna, Kalaivanar, Raja Sandow, M.G.R., Kavignar Kannadasan, Nadigar Thilagam Sivaji and Thiagaraja Bhagavathar who have left their hall-mark in the history of film industry and conquered the hearts of the people.
Film Subsidy
In order to encourage production of low-budget, socially conscious, quality Tamil feature films, the Government are implementing a scheme of granting subsidy to such films. Every year a selection committee is constituted by the Government to select quality Tamil films. Subsidy at the rate of Rs.5,00,000 each is granted to films of which prints were taken not less than 8 and not more than 25.
Exemption of Entertainment Tax
In order to encourage production of low budget quality Tamil films, exemption of entertainment tax is granted for a period of four weeks from the date of release of the film.
Government Concessions to Film Industry
1. The low budget quality Tamil feature films are granted subsidy at the rate of Rs.5 lakhs each.
2. Exemption from entertainment tax is granted to low budget quality Tamil feature films for a period of first four weeks.
3. Cash awards, gold medals, mementos etc. are presented to the best Tamil films, actors, actresses and technicians.
4. Veteran awards are presented to the achievers in film industry.
5. Shooting and studio facilities are provided at nominal rates in M.G.R. Film City.
6. Permission is granted for film shooting at Government premises under single window system.
7. Committees have been constituted at district levels and state level to resolve disputes in film industry.
- 8. A sum of Rs.1,00,000 and Rs.50,000 are granted from the Chief Minister’s Public Relief Fund to the family of the stunt actors who are fatally injured or incapacitated respectively while on film shooting.
Chapter - 5
TAMIL NADU FILMS DIVISION
The Tamil Nadu Films Division is engaged in production and release of News bulletins on various Government functions, Welfare Schemes and activities of the Government since 1986.
One news bulletin in 35mm film in colour per month used to be produced and 147 copies were taken and released in all cinema theatres, all over Tamil Nadu through Films Division, Government of India. But since this involved considerably delay in completing even one circuit, news magazines are now produced in VHS format and telecast through Doordarshan and other private satellite T.V. Channels. Besides telecasting the video news magazine in private satellite channels, VCD and VHS copies of them are also being sent to District Information and Public Relations Offricers for the field publicity in rural areas.
Now six documentary films are produced every year in 35 m.m. with 75 prints each and sent for release in all the theatres in Tamil Nadu on rotation basis, through Film Division, Govenment of India.
Tamil Nadu Films Division produces documentaries in video on various subjects like Family Welfare, Health Education, Social Forestry, Small Savings, Consumer Protection, Prevention of Accidents etc.
Apart from producing documentary films, the Tamil Nadu Films Division utilises the services of private producers from the approved panel. The Tamil Nadu Films Division also undertakes the work of producing Video films for other departments on topical issues.
During the year 2001-2002 under Part II Schemes one Video Camera (Beta) with accessories has been purchased at a cost of Rs.15.00 lakhs.
Chapter - 6
Film and television institute of tamilnadu
The Film and Television Institute of Tamil Nadu run by the Government of Tamil Nadu is one of the three popular Institutions in the country imparting training in the various techniques and aesthetics of Film and Television production. The other two Institutions are run by the Government of India at Pune and Kolkatta.
The following Diploma courses are conducted in the Film and Television Institute of Tamil Nadu.
1. Direction and Screenplay writing
2. Cinematography
3. Sound Recording and Sound Engineering
4. Film processing
5. Film Editing
As per the advise of Hon’ble Chief Minister two students are admitted in each of the above mentioned diploma courses additionally from the academic year 2001-2002.
All the diploma courses are approved by the All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE), New Delhi.
The Government have issued orders to upgrade the diploma courses now conducted in the Institutes as Degree courses and to get them affiliated with the Univesity of Madras.
One student from each stream form a team and they are trained to produce a complete film. As per the syllabus, each team of the final year students join together and produce a diploma film as part of their project work. Government sanctions a sum of Rs.15 lakhs for the production of student’s Diploma films, every year.
The Government of Tamil Nadu are presenting an award of one soverign gold medal, Rs.5,000/- and a memento to the Best Director, Best cinematographer, Best Editor, Best Sound recordist and Best Film Processor of the short films produced by the students of this institute.
The Government of Tamil Nadu have permitted the Directors of the Mohammed Amin Foundation, Nairobi to conduct a workshop on films to enable facilitating cultural exchange and cooperation. The founding directors of the foundation also paid a visit to the Institute on 15-4-2002.
Some of the diploma films produced by the students of the Institute have won National and International Awards.
The alumni of this Institute are well placed in established and reputed institutions like Doordharshan Kendra, Film Industry and in private TV Channels.
Chapter - 7
CINEMA, VIDEO AND CABLE TELEVISION NETWORKS
Film industry is one of the major industries in Tamil Nadu and Tamil Nadu is the largest producer of Films in India in Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada and Hindi. The revenue from cinema industry is one of the major resources to local bodies and to the Govenment.
With a view to encourage the film industry, this govenment have extended many concessions.
In Tamil Nadu 2,237 cinema theatres are functioning under the following categories.
Ordinary Airconditioned
i. Permanent Cinema Theatres 1,321 171
ii. Semi-permanent Cinema Theatres 176 -
iii. Touring Cinema Theatres 555 -
iv. Open Air Cinema Theatres 12 -
v. Video Theatres 2 -
Total 2,066 171
The Tamil Nadu Cinema (Regulation) Act 1955 and the Rules framed thereunder, viz., the, Tamil Nadu Cinemas (Regulation) Rules, 1957, provide for proper maintenance of cinema theatres, including structural soundness of buildings, with basic amenities.
Revision of rate of admission for Cinema Theatres
In 1994, orders were issued allowing the licensees of cinema theatres to fix the rates of admission except for the lowest class. Subsequently in the year 1996, the Government issued orders specifying that the increase should be restricted to less than 75% of the rates prevailing prior to 28.10.1994 except for the lowest class. Considerable time has elapsed since the above orders were issued and there has been no increase in the rates of admission since 1996. Apart from the fact that the introduction of Television, Cable Television and Video Piracy has affected considerably the earning of the cinema theatre owners / licensees, the question has come to the fore from the angle of mobilization of additional resources for the state in the context of the present financial stringency. If the rates of admission in cinema theatres are revised there will be corresponding increase in revenue to Government through entertainment Tax. In view of this the Government in G.O.Ms.No.317 Home(Cinema - I) Department dated 12.4.2002 have ordered to enhance the rate of admission in the cinema theatres as follows:
i) The license of cinema theatres will be allowed to enhance upto 75% of the existing rate of admission for all classes except the lowest class with due advance notice to the licensing authority and the commercial Tax authority.
ii) For the lowest class, the rates should not exceed Rs.10/- (Rupees Ten Only) for cities of Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Tiruchirappali, Salem and Tirunelveli and Rs.5/- (Rupees Five Only) in other places and it should be so fixed as to be less than the rates for the next higher class.
iii) The cinema theatres should reserve for the lowest class 10% of their approved total seating strength as against 20% at present.
iv) The license of cinema theatres will be allowed to charge rates without ceiling being fixed for a period of two weeks from the date of commencement of exhibition of new film in that theatre with due advance notice to the licensing authority and the commercial tax authority.
v) Inview of the enhancement allowed in rates of admission, the theatre maintenance charge ordered in G.O.Ms.No.1076 Home (cinema 1) Dept., dt. 8.9.94 has been withdrawn.
This order takes effect from the Tamil New Year’s Day viz. 14.4.2002.
No objection certificate for Theatres
The President, Tamil Nadu film Exhibitors Association had requested that due to delay in getting bank loans and increasing cost of building materials and labour etc. at present the validity period of No Objection Certificate for construction of cinema theatres now in existence may be enhanced. In G.O.Ms.No. 324 Home (Cinema I) Department, dt.16.4.2002 The Government enhanced the validity period of no objection certificate under rule 36 (3) of the Tamil Nadu Cinema (Regulation) Rules 1957, from 3 years to 5 years for permanent and Semi permanent theatres and under rule 10(b)(2) of the said rules from six months to one year for touring cinema theatres.
The Government in G.O.Ms.No.233, Home (Cinema I) Department dated 19.3.2002 have ordererd to amend the distance between the Touring Cinema theatres from 1.00 K.M. to 1.609 K.M. of the nearest permanent cinema theatres as it was prior to the year 1997.
Video Act and Rules
To regulate the exhibition of films on Television Screen through Video Cassette Recorders in the State of Tamil Nadu and for matters incidental or ancillary thereto, the Government have enacted the Tamil Nadu Exhibition of Films on Television Screen through the Video Cassette Recorders (Regulation) Act 1984. This Act provides for the grant of licences to individuals for exhibition of films on Television Screen through Video Cassette Recorders and for running Video Libraries. The District Collectors in the District and the Commissioner of Police in the City of Chennai are the Licensing Authorities. No licence is necessary for the purpose of any exhibition of films on Television Screen through Video Cassette Recorder for domestic purpose to the family members of the household. There are 705 number of Video Libraries and 2 Video Theatres licensed in the State.
Video Piracy Cell
The Video Piracy Cell, CB CID, Tamil Nadu was created as per G.O.Ms.No.(3D) No.16, Home (Cinema.II) dated 17.2.1995. Now it is functioning under the direct control of the Additional Director General of Police, Crime, Chennai-2. The Government directed that the services of this cell should be utilized to check the violations relating to the Copy Right Act/Information Technology
Act 2000.
Most of the people view new films in their houses through VCDs due to modern technology. Television and Cable TV are enabling the public to enjoy the movies without going to cinema theatres. Production of VCDs is not licensed by the Government. However, pirated VCDs are being circulated by the VCD piraters. The Video Piracy Cell, CB CID is taking action against the Video Piraters and is determined in eradicating the Video Piracy offences. The Video Piracy Cell detected a large number of cases of Video Piracy, Audio Piracy, Cable TV Piracy and Computer Piracy and vigorous action were taken against the above mentioned piraters, including seizure of illegal properties connected with the piracy.
The sanctioned strength of the cell is 1 Superintendent of Police, 1 Deputy Superintendent of Police, 6 Inspectors of Police, 2 Sub-Inspectors of Police, 14 Police Constables and 2 Driver Police Constables.
The Video Piracy Cell Unit was divided into 6 Units and each unit consists of one Inspector and two Grade I, PCs. In Chennai Unit, 2 S.I.s, 2PCs and 2 Driver PCs are the additional strength available in addition to the actual strength of the other five units. Out of the sanctioned strength, a strength of 3 Inspectors, 1 SI and 10 PCs were re-deployed to the Special Investigation Team (S.I.T.) on 28.9.97 as per the order of the Director General of Police, Chennai. This strength was regularly re-deployed to the SIT. The superintendent of Police and Deputy Superintendent of Police are supervising the Special Investigation Team cases of Trichy Unit and the functions of the 6 video Piracy Cell Units in Tamil Nadu.
Video and Audio Piracy is a recent phenomenon. The piracy of popular movie’s songs is being done mostly by persons having commercial links with Video Audio Library owners and shop keepers. These persons, either with the connivance of the theatre owners or with operators of the theatres are illegally recording pirating the newly released films in Video Cassettes and audio cassettes. Other methods are also being adopted for pirating Video Audio cassettes and VCDs etc. through illegal imports, VCDs also come from abroad, for which regular checking is being done in Airport and the offence has been controlled to some extent.
Action is being taken by the Video Piracy Cell. (CB CID) with the co-operation of Tamil Nadu Film Producers’ Association against the Video pirators:
i) when the editing and the recording of the new films and songs are going on, the Video Piracy Cell, (CB CID) along with Tamil Nadu Film Producers Assoication endeavours to prevent any possible illegal act with the connivance of technicians.
ii) The Video Piracy Cell, CB CID along with the Tamil Film Producers Association closely monitors the persons who are carrying the copy of the new film box to preview theatres as well as to the exhibiting cinema theatres.
To control piracy, Acts like the Copyright Act 1957, the Tamil Nadu exhibition of films on TV Screens through VCR and Cable TV Network (Regulations) Act, 1984 and the Cinematography Act, 1952 and Information Technology Act 2000 also can be invoked.
Commendable work of the Video Piracy Cell
The Video Piracy Cell registered 514 cases in the year 2001 as against 249 in the year 2000. The value of incriminating properties seized by the piracy cell during the period 1.1.2001 to 31.12.2001 is Rs.2,69,33,497. The value of incriminating properties seized by the Video Piracy Cell for the period from 1995 to 2001 is Rs.6,56,13,377.
Vigorous actions have been taken against the Video Piraters Computer Piraters as well as the Cable TV Operators who were pirating the VCDs without obtaining proper Copy Right from the concerned producers. The Government Transport Buses and private buses are exhibiting films on TV Screens through VCRs. These type of cases are being booked under the copyright Act. All the unit officers have taken stringent action against the Cable TV Operators who are exhibiting the new films on Cable TVs through VCDs without getting copyright from the concerned film producers.
Cable Television Network System
With a view to regulate the exhibition of films through Cable Television, the Government enacted the Tamil Nadu Exhibition of Films on Television Screen through the Video Cassette Recorders (Regulation) Amendment Act 1991. The amended Act came into force from 11.11.1991.
The Government of India have enacted the Central Cable Television Network (Regulation) Act and Rules, 1995 which is applicable all over India. According to it, the Head Post Master is the registering authority. As per the amended Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act of 2000 (Act of XXXVI of 2000), District Magistrates,
Sub-Divisional Magtistrates and Police commissioner Chennai have been designated as Authorised Officers to take action against offended Cable T.V. Operators for contravening Section 3,5,6 or 8 of the Act.
The Video Piracy Cell, CB CID Chennai registered 37 Cable TV cases in the year 2001 as against 35 in the year 2000. 13 cases have been registered from 1-1-2002 to 31-3-2002. All the cases are now pending in the Court.
Chapter - 8
M.G.R. FILM CITY
M.G.R. Film City was created at Tharamani, Chennai at a total project cost of Rs.23.92 crores in an extent of nearly 69.23 crores and is being run by the Tamil Nadu Film Development Corporation Limited. It is having all facilities like indoor and outdoor shooting locations under one roof viz., fully air-conditioned floors, model village and urban area, temple, church, mosque, post office, classroom, operation theatre, police station, jail, court, rich man’s house, executive office, guest house, a lake, beautiful gardens such as Mogul, Italian, Japanese gardens, air-conditioned dance hall with disco lighting facilities etc.
Film City has also a restaurant of star standard, cottages, a swimming pool with underwater photography facility and various play areas. It is also having a beautiful children amusement park with horticultural landscape and different type of amusement equipments.
In order to increase the revenue of M.G.R.. Film City, (1) swimming pool with various play areas (2) children play area (3) Bar-cum-restaurant and 11 cottages, and (4) Fast food centre and canteen, have been given on licence basis.
We are also exploring the possibilities of increasing the income of film city through other activities in colleboration with leading private organisations in the related fields.
M.G.R. Knowledge Park
Public are being allowed to visit the Film City at an entrance fee of Rs.20/- and Rs.10/- per head for adult and children respectively. In respect of school children, Rs.5/- per head is being collected.
M.G.R. Knowledge Park will be setup at M.G.R. Film City in an area of 24.78 acres of land. This Park will house different research projects in the field of Information Technology, Bio Technology, Telecommunications and the like. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Chennai has proposed to setup a Research Project for research in the field of communication and information technology. Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) has approached various Institutions to provide facilities in the field of Bio-Technology in this Park. TIDCO will take necessary steps to commission the project in the year 2002-2003.
 
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