Mumbai, Mar 14: Union Government will implement the much awaited Conditional Access System (CAS) before July 14 this year helping to streamline the cable TV industry. "CAS, which gives priority to consumer interests, is designed to bring in transparency in the cable regime and will be implemented at all costs before the July 14 deadline," Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ravi Shankar Prasad said in his inaugural address at frames 2003, an annual convention on business of entertainment organised by FICCI.

He said that a task force comprising industry leaders and experts has been constituted and is deliberating on the issue.


"The government is determined to implement CAS with clarity and without any ambiguity," the minister added.

A self-regulation was need of the hour and IB ministry would not play the role of a moral police, leaving selection of channels to viewers' discretion, Prasad said.

On film co-production, the minister said India was open for joint ventures with other countries in feature and animation film production.
"Foreign firms will be welcomed to shoot and process movies in India and a single window clearance system would be installed for speedy processing, Prasad said.

He said that marriage of animation and Infotech industries would result in creating more job opportunities and bring investments for the country, the minister said.
On Doordarshan and All India Radio, Prasad said that funds were a major concern for these state-run organisations, however, the government has made a provision of rs 80 crore for DD.


Bureau Report