Representatives of the entertainment industry, led by information and broadcasting minister Sushma Swaraj, held their first ever pre-Budget meeting with finance minister Yashwant Sinha on 16 January carrying with them a detailed wish list.

Presented here in full is the "Summary of the Budget Recommendations for the Entertainment Industry - 2002-2003" as prepared by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

The demands include equal status with the infotech and communication sectors, exemption from service tax, reduction in customs duty for equipment, clearly defined norms for advance tax and TDS (tax deduction at source) and creation of a special anti-piracy fund in the coming Budget.

SUMMARY OF BUDGET RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY - 2002-2003

Click on the headlines below to view the various chapters of the budget recommendations summary:

I. Broadcast Sector (received from the Indian Broadcasting Foundation)
II. Music Industry (received from the Indian Music Industry)
III.Film Industry (received from All India Film Producers Council)
IV. Multiplex Association
V. Points received from Television Content Producers
VI. Points received from Consumer Electronics and TV Manufacturers Association (CETMA)
VII. Points received from Radio Sector