Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has said that the Finance Ministry, in charge of economic policies, was not in favour of granting ‘industry status’ to cable distribution segment of the broadcasting sector.

Pointing out that MIB had made a case for grant of infra status to the Finance Ministry, minister Prakash Javadekar clarified, “Department of Economic Affairs, however, did not agree to the proposal for not meeting the specified criteria.” He did not elaborate on the criterion, though.

The minister was answering a question in Lok Sabha last week on the issue of infrastructure status that has been a long pending demand of the industry as it would serve as a financial incentive to upgrade technology and other services even as the onslaught of digital continues to chip away at the consumer base of traditional TV.

As of December 2020, an official government data said there were 1,702 registered MSOs in India. Under the law, all registered MSOs, unless indicated in registration order specifically, can operate anywhere in India. Industry experts opine that not all the registered MSOs have the financial muscle to invest in upgradation of networks, etc and an industry status would have helped in facilitating getting bank loans easily.

According to the minister, MIB continues to create an enabling environment for sustained growth of the media and entertainment sector, facilitate value-based wholesome entertainment and effectively disseminate information on government policies, programmes and achievements. “With the continuous review of policies/programmes, steps are being taken to improve the ease of doing business and to strengthen the broadcasting eco-system in India”, the minister concluded.