Jaya Bachchan Slams Govt Over Neglect of Film Industry in Budget

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 14th Feb. Samajwadi Party’s Rajya Sabha MP Jaya Bachchan expressed outrage during the eighth day of the Budget Session, accusing the government of ignoring the film industry. She lashed out at BJP MPs after being interrupted while discussing the plight of daily wage workers in the entertainment sector.

Raising concerns over the lack of financial support for the industry, Bachchan said, “The government has completely neglected the film industry, which employs many daily wage workers. With no relief in entertainment tax, survival has become difficult for them. I urge the Finance Minister to address this issue and take steps to support them.”

She further alleged that the government was trying to dismantle the industry, stating, “Single-screen theatres are shutting down, cinema halls are empty because everything has become too expensive. The industry has been ignored not just by this government but by previous ones too. However, this time, it has reached another level. You use the film industry for your own purposes and then abandon it.”

Appealing for relief for the audiovisual sector, Bachchan warned against the government’s approach, saying, “Are you trying to destroy this industry? This would be a grave mistake. The film industry is the only sector that connects India with the world. I am speaking on behalf of the entertainment industry—please spare it.”

Meanwhile, BJP MP Arun Singh defended the budget, highlighting that allocations for healthcare had nearly tripled compared to the UPA era, rising from ₹37,000 crore. He also praised the increase in the credit limit for farmers under the Kisan Credit Card from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh.