Bollywood’s planned strike Feb 23 to protest against the imposition of a service tax at the film industry have been called off after a gathering with Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, industry officials said Tuesday.
“This strike was called off. We had a gathering with the finance minister and he has asked us to attend till the budget,†producer Ratan Jain told IANS.
“He understood our problem after which we decided to not opt for strike till March 16 until the budget comes out. So, all of the multiplexes and Bollywood will continue to transport on with none strike on Feb 23,†he added.
Film Producers’ Guild vice chairman Mukesh Bhatt also said that once the positive meeting with the finance minister, they have got decided to stay patient till the budget.
“His hands are tied at the moment and that i will respect that i'm. glad concerning the incontrovertible fact that he heard our plea patiently and has asked us to attend till the budget,†he said, adding they are going to wait till March 16 after which take a call on their future process action.
The industry appears to be relieved with this decision.
“It’s an excellent decision as ultimately we're here to do business and never to strike. Because the finance minister has promised to appear into the matter, we will wait till the budget,†said producer Kumar Taurani. – IANS
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