Cable operators strike in MP

Bhopal, July 10 (UNI) Cable operators in Madhya Pradesh went on an indefinite strike today demanding rollback of entertainment tax of Rs 20 per connection imposed by the state government.

Madhya Pradesh Cable Operators Association (MPCOA) spokesperson Suresh Tiwari said cable operators took the decision after the unsuccessful talks with the Deputy Secretary (Commercial Tax) R K Vajpayee.

''Telecast of entertainment channels has been stopped 1700 hrs onwards today as a part of the strike. News channels and local channels would aired during the strike,'' he said.

Earlier, a six-member delegation of the Association met Mr Vajpayee and demanded a rollback pointing out that a maximum increase of 25 per cent of entertainment tax can be imposed as per an agreement entered into by the government in May 1999.

Cable operators were paying Rs 10 entertainment tax earlier.

Mr Tiwari said the MPCOA today constituted the Madhya Pradesh Cable Vyavasayi Mahasangh and appointed Mr Arvind Agrawal as its convenor. A five-member advisory committee was also formed.

Mr Vajpayee said he advised the MPCOA to meet the Principal Secretary tomorrow, as a decision to reduce entertainment tax could be taken by the state government or the Principal Secretary.

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