The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Licence fee

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Sep 16, 2004

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Licence fee

Sir, — This refers to the proposal to levy an annual fee or one-time fee on radio receiver sets and TV sets. It is regrettable that the people are to be penalised in the name of granting autonomy to Prasar Bharati.

Are advertisements not capable of generating the requisite resources for the functioning of the proposed autonomous body?

N.K. Vijayan,
Kizhakkambalam, Kerala

* * *

Sir, — The Prasar Bharati has no role in the manufacture and sale of radio receiver sets and television sets and hence, it is not fair to levy a licence fee. Besides, while purchasing them, a consumer pays excise duty and sales tax that are included in the maximum retail price.

There are several private broadcasting and telecasting channels. The right to collect a fee cannot be the exclusive privilege of Prasar Bharati.

K.S. Gopalakrishnan,
New Delhi

* * *

Sir, — Like any other government-nurtured white elephant, Prasar Bharati lacks professionalism in both production and in getting sponsorship and advertisements. Why should the Government expect the viewers to pay for the ineptitude of Prasar Bharati? Let it make Doordarshan a pay-channel if necessary.

La. Su. Rengarajan,
Chennai

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