Information and Tourism Department
INFORMATION AND PUBLICITY
POLICY NOTE 2005-2006
Demand No.27
INTRODUCTION
The concept of “Global Village” was conceived and made possible because of rapid strides in the development in Information Technology and Communication. The Field of communication has undergone a sea change due to the growth of Information technology and satellite communication. Therefore, it is obvious that the Department of Information and Public Relations which is instrumental in disseminating information on the policies and achievements of the Government, be infused with the latest in technology of international standards. On this basis, all the wings of the Information and Public Relations Department are being modernised on the directions given by the Hon’ble Chief Minister.
It is essential that the people are well informed and enlightened about the activities of the Government especialy in a democracy such as ours. This department plays a big role in ensuring the involvement of the public in the developmental activities of the Government by integrating media and informing them about the policies, activities and achievements of the Government. Feedback of the people on the various schemes of the Government is another important task of this department.
The wide spectrum of activity of the Information and Public Relations Department includes: the Press Release Section that connects the Government to the media and disseminates information on the Government’s announcements, schemes and activities to the media; Tamil Arasu, official organ of the Government of Tamil Nadu, which is published every month carrying information about the achievements of all departments and information on various schemes; the Advertisement Section that ensures transparency in Administration by publishing Tender Bulletins at the State and Districts level and releasing advertisements to the print media as ‘nodal agency’; the Exhibition Wing that runs Government Exhibitions in the Districts to propagate the schemes and the achievements of the Government; the Memorial Section that arranges the honouring of great and eminent leaders on their birth anniversaries and by constructing Memorials and Monuments in their honour; Reference Section that provides the necessary instant information whenever required; the State Information Centre that provides information for research scholars and others; the Film and Television Institute of Tamil Nadu that trains students on ‘the state of the art’ Film Technology to face up to the challenges of film making; Tamil Nadu Films Division that plays a key role in producing News Reel Bulletins and Video News Magazines on the Government’s welfare schemes, achievements and important functions; And most importantly, the District Information and Public Relations Offices that are instrumental in building goodwill between the Government and people including those who live in remote hamlets. The Information and Public Relations Department is being strengthened under the farsighted Statesmanship of Hon’ble Chief Minister, who is striving hard to transform Tamil Nadu with developmental and social welfare schemes to earn for Tamil Nadu, the recognition as the Numero Uno State in India.
CHAPTER - 1 PRESS RELEASE SECTION
The “Fourth Pillar” of Democracy, the Print and Visual Media has gained an inevitable importance especially in this “Knowledge based World of Information Technology and Satellite Communication”. Today, exchange of information happens in the flick of a second. Communicating Information on Government’s new announcements, news and activities with related graphics through e-mail to the print media and cassettes to the visual media, has become an important day to day activity of the Governement. The Press Release Section at the Secretariat works intensely in carrying out these tasks.
Press Releases and Press statements of Hon’ble Chief Minister, Hon’ble Ministers and various departments of the Government on Government’s achievements, welfare schemes, plans and programmes and related photographs are sent daily to about 100 Press and Media organizations, All India Radio, Doordarshan Kendra and News Agencies through fax, e-mail and in person.
Arrangements for the press meetings of the Hon’ble Chief Minster and Hon’ble Ministers are taken care of by this section. Efforts are taken to ensure that important announcements and press releases of the Government reach the District Information and Public Relations Offices for release to the local media. Similarly important News received from the District Information and Public Relations Offices are received at the Head Quarters and transmitted to the media.
Important programmes, functions, meetings of the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Hon’ble Ministers and Secretaries to Government are covered and sent to the dailies and journals. This section also facilitates the television crew and photographers of dailies to cover important appointments and programmes.
PRESS ACCREDITATION
‘Press Accreditation Cards’ are issued to eligible media personnel representing News papers, Photo Section, All India Radio, Doordarshan, Tamil Nadu Films Division and Private Television Channels every year, on the recommendation of the Accreditation Committee formed by the Government. 554 press and electronic media personnel have received Press Accreditation Cards in Tamil Nadu in the current year.
These Accreditation Card holders are eligible for free bus passes, 50% railway travel concession and preference in availing TNHB rental houses.
PRESS PASS TO REPORTERS OF PERIODICALS In the current year, 155 Reporters and Photographers of periodicals in Chennai have been issued with ‘Press Passes’.
IDENTITY CARD TO REPORTERS IN DISTRICTS
Reporters in districts are issued identity cards and free bus passes by the District Collectors. They also receive preferential allotment in the rental houses of the TNHB.
In the districts of Madurai, Ramanathapuram, Kanjeepuram, Dharmapuri, Salem, Thanjavur, Tirunelveli and Vellore, 230 journalists have been granted house site pattas at nominal rates.
JOURNALISTS’ FAMILY BENEFIT FUND
Financial aid from Chief Minister’s Public Relief Fund are sanctioned to the family of Editors, Sub- Editors, Reporters, Cameramen of the Press and Reporters and Cameramen of Television Channels who had been either an accredited journalist or an identity card holder, who had served for a minimum of 20 years of continued service and had died while in service.
Hon’ble Chief Minister has increased the amount of assistance under the Journalists’ Family Benefit Fund substantially from Rs.50,000/- to Rs. 2 lakhs with effect from 4.9.2001.
JOURNALISTS’ PENSION
Journalists’ Pension scheme is implemented for the benefit of retired journalists living in indigent circumstances. When the scheme was introduced in 1986, the pension amount was Rs.250/- per month. This was increased, during a period of time to Rs.2,000/-. Hon’ble Chief Minister has enhanced the pension amount from Rs.2,000/- to Rs.3,000/- during the Budget 2001-2002. 67 retired journalists are receiving Rs.3,000 per month as on date.
JOURNALISTS’ FAMILY PENSION
A sum of Rs.500 was given as family pension to the wife of a deceased journalist who was receiving the Government’s journalist pension. This amount was enhanced by the orders of the Hon’ble Chief Minister from Rs.500 to Rs.1500 on 4.9.2001. TNHB FLATS/HOUSES UNDER EASY INSTALMENT SCHEME FOR JOURNALISTS
A comprehensive easy instalment loan scheme for the Accredited journalists to purchase flats/houses from Tamil Nadu Housing Board is being implemented jointly by Tamil Nadu Housing Board and State Bank of India.
PHOTO SECTION
Important functions attended by Hon’ble Chief Minister and Hon’ble Ministers, Functions, Meetings, Social Welfare and Developmental Programmes are covered by the Photo Section. The photographs taken on digital cameras are immediately released to the Press through e-mail. This has led to timely publication of colour photographs of the Government events.
WEB / VIDEO STREAMING
At present, the Secretariat has the facility of sending colour photographs by e-mail to the Newspapers. Important programmes, development works and relief efforts during natural calamities in the State are videographed and the cassettes are received at headquarters by road or air. The necessary copies are made and sent to television channels for telecast. This causes valuable time loss. Now using fibre optic cables, the shooting camera would be connected to the headquarters by Web/Video Streaming so that the recorded signals are sent live to all television channels through e- mail.
Similarly, photographs and news on functions taken in any corner of Tamil Nadu could be sent to Headquarters immediately and those covered by Headquarters transmitted to all districts through web/video streaming for release to the local media.
A sum of Rs.25 lakhs has been sanctioned on the orders of Hon’ble Chief Minister to establish web/video streaming facility which would be an innovative scheme.
CHAPTER - 2
REFERENCE SECTION
Reference Section consolidates Press clippings of newspapers and journals on the day of their publication and sends them to the Hon’ble Chief Minister, concerned Hon’ble Ministers and Secretaries of various departments for reference and follow up action.
This section files and preserves newspapers of previous years. Press clippings from these preserved papers are supplied to departments whenever required. A computer and accessories along with fax machine has been purchased for Rs.1.50 lakh, and put to use in this section.
SPECIAL TYPE FURNITURE
Special type of furniture was purchased from TANSI at a cost of Rs.1.35 lakh under Part II scheme of 2004-2005 and is being used in Reference Section. ELECTRONIC ARCHIVING SYSTEM
Hon’ble Chief Minister ordered the setting up of an electronic archiving system in the Reference Section, a novel scheme for the Nation to emulate. This system will enable storage and instant retrieval of press clippings for reference.
CHAPTER - 3 ADVERTISEMENTS
All the advertisements of Government of Tamil Nadu are centralised through Information and Public Relations Department and released to newspapers and periodicals. Advertisements of all Government departments, various corporations, boards and institutions are released through the Information and Public Relations Department. Advertisements are released to newspapers after considering the importance and reach of the advertisement and the target group to which it is aimed at. In order to encourage the small and medium scale newspapers, the advertisements are also released in such newspapers.
To give wide and effective publicity, all the Tenders and Display advertisements are displayed in the Tamil Nadu Government Website, namely: www.tn.gov.in hosted by National Informatics Centre, without any additional expense. In addition to the publication of tender notices in newspapers, hosting of such notices on the internet ensures transparency in Administration and to provide fair and equitable treatment of all tenderers.
The State Tender Bulletin and District Tender Bulletins are published every week to further transparency in administration as per the guidelines provided in the Tamil Nadu Transparency Tenders Act, 1998 and the Tamil Nadu Transparency in Tenders Rules, 2000.
Tender having procurement value between Rs.5 lakhs and Rs.10 lakhs and construction value between Rs.10 lakhs and Rs.25 lakhs are published in District Tender Bulletins. Tender of procurement value of more than Rs.10 lakhs and construction value of more than Rs.25 lakhs are published in State Tender Bulletins. The result of the tender are also regularly published in these bulletins.
CHAPTER - 4 EXHIBITIONS
Government Exhibitions are organised by the Exhibition wing of the Information and Public Relations Department to educate people on various achievements, welfare schemes and policies of the Government of Tamil Nadu. These exhibitions are scheduled during April-June in Madurai and Coimbatore and in July-September in Salem every year. Various Government departments, Undertakings and Private concerns take part in these exhibitions. The Government exhibitions apart from educating and entertaining the general public, also provide direct and indirect employment opportunities.
The exhibitions scheduled in the months of April and June during 2004 at Coimbatore and Madurai were not held due to the Parliamentary elections. The Salem exhibition scheduled during August- September 2004 was also not held due to administrative reasons. A Government exhibition was held in Thirunelveli during the month of July-August in 2004 and Rs.22.16 lakhs was earned as profit.
Government exhibitions would be organised during 2005 in Madurai, Coimbatore, Salem, Trichy and Thirunelveli this year.
Mini Exhibitions are also being organised by the District Information and Public Relations Offices in the Districts, every year, during festivals and on important occasions.
This Department participated in Phool Walon-Ki-Saire, a Flower Festival held in New Delhi in October 2004 to reaffirms the Indian sub-continent’s Integrity and Communal Harmony. It is noteworthy to mention that this department has been bagging the first prize continuously for the past 4 years.
The Information and Public Relations Department, participates in the Republic Day celebrations at Chennai every year by organising the cultural programme, compering of events and fabrication of Information and Public Relations tableaux and co-ordination of the pageantry.
This year due to the devastation caused by the Tsunami, the Republic Day Celebrations were conducted in a simple and sober manner without cultural programmes and float pageantry.
The department participated in the All India Tourist and Industrial Trade Fair at Chennai and had erected a stall. This department participated on behalf of the Government of Tamil Nadu in the India International Trade Fair held at Pragati Maidan at New Delhi during November, last year. The department coordinated and organised the showcasing by departments such as Tourism Department, Agriculture Department, Agriculture Marketing and Agri Business, Horticulture and Plantation Crops, TAMIN, TIDCO, SIPCOT, Industries and Commerce, Chennai Port, Aavin, TNEB and ELCOT. It is noteworthy to mention that Tamil Nadu Women Development Corporation participated for the first time, displayed the products of Women Self Help Groups at this Fair and made sale for Rs.52 lakhs.
CHAPTER - 5
MEMORIALS
Statues and Memorials have been erected by the Government of Tamil Nadu to honour the leaders who put their heart, mind and soul together for the welfare of the people and those who fought for the Nation’s freedom. 39 Memorials, 2 Arangams, 4 Commemoration Pillars and 1 Memorial Park have been established so far.
1. Perarignar Anna Memorial and Perarignar Anna Museum, Marina Beach, Kamarajar Salai, Chennai.
2. Bharat Ratna Dr. M.G.R. Memorial, Marina Beach, Kamarajar Salai, Chennai. 3. Valluvar Kottam, Nungambakkam, Chennai.
4. Kalaivanar Arangam, Wallaja Salai, Chennai
5. Rajaji Hall, Omanthoorar Government Estate, Anna Salai, Chennai.
6. Gandhi Mandapam, Sardar Vallabhai Patel Salai, Guindy, Chennai.
7. Mootharignar Rajaji Memorial, Sardar Vallabhai Patel Salai, Guindy, Chennai.
8. ‘Quit India’ Movement Golden Jubilee Commemoration Pillar, Gandhi Mandapam Campus, Sardar Vallabhai Patel Salai, Guindy, Chennai.
9. Mozhippor Thiyagigal Manimandapam, Sardar Vallabhai Patel Salai, Guindy, Chennai.
10. Thiyagigal Manimandapam, Sardar Vallabhai Patel Salai, Guindy, Chennai.
11. Periyavar M. Bhakthavatchalam Memorial, Sardar Vallabhai Patel Salai, Guindy, Chennai.
12. Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Ninaivu Illam, Thirumalai Salai, Thiyagaraya Nagar, Chennai.
13. Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Memorial, Sardar Vallabhai Patel Salai, Guindy, Chennai.
14. Mahakavi Bharathiyar Ninaivu Illam, Thulasingam Perumal Koil Street, Triplicane, Chennai.
15. Golden Jubilee of India’s Independence Commemoration Pillar (Near War Memorial), Kamarajar Salai, Chennai.
16. Golden Jubilee of India’s Republic Commemoration Pillar (Near Gandhi Statue), Kamarajar Salai, Chennai.
17. Perarignar Anna Ninaivu Illam, Chinna Kancheepuram, Kancheepuram District.
18. Muthumandapam – Vikrama Singha Raja Memorial (the last Tamil King of Sri Lanka), Paalaatrangarai, Vellore, Vellore District.
19. Anna Kalaiarangam, Officers Lane, Vellore, Vellore District.
20. Commemoration Pillar of Sepoy Mutiny, Makkan junction, Vellore, Vellore District. 21. Mootharignar Rajaji Illam, Thorappalli, Dharmapuri District.
22. Periyar-Anna Memorial, Erode.
23. Thiruppur Kumaran Memorial, Thiruppur, Coimbatore District.
24. ‘Rationalist Poet’ Udumalai Narayanakavi Manimandapam, Udumalaippettai, Coimbatore District.
25. Va. Ve. Subramaniyam Memorial, Varahaneri Agraharam, Trichirappalli.
26. Thillaiyadi Valliyammai Memorial, Thillaiyadi Village, Nagapattinam District.
27. Namakkal Kavignar Ramalingam Ninaivu Illam, Namakkal.
28. Pattukottai Kalyanasundaram Manimandapam, Muthupettai Road, Nadiammalpuram, Pattukottai, Thanjavur District.
29. Kaviyarasar Kannadasan Manimandapam, Near New Bus Stand, Karaikkudi, Sivagangai District.
30. Thavathiru Kundrakkudi Adigalar Manimandapam, South Car Street, Kundrakkudi, Sivagangai District.
31. Maruthupandiyar Memorial, Swedish Mission Hospital Complex, Thiruppathur, Sivagangai District.
32. ‘Thiyagi’ Viswanathadas Memorial, Thirumangalam, Madurai District.
33. ‘Thiyaga Seelar’ Kakkan Manimandapam, Thumbaippatti, Melur Taluk, Madurai Disitrict.
34. Poolithevan Ninaivu Maaligai, Nerkattumseval Village, Sivagiri Taluk, Thirunelveli District.
35. Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Illam, Sulochana Street, Virudhunagar.
36. Bharathi Manimandapam, Ettayapuram, Thoothukudi District.
37. Bharathiyar Illam, Ettayapuram, Thoothukudi District. 38. V.O.C. Illam, Ottappidaram, Thoothukudi District.
39. Gandhi Ninaivu Mandapam, Kadarkarai Salai, Kanniyakumari.
40. ‘Perunthalaivar’ Kamarajar Manimandapam, Kadarkarai Salai, Kanniyakumari.
41. ‘Sathavathani’ Seiguthambi Pavalar Ninaivu Mandapam, Idalakudi, Kottar, Nagercoil, Kanniyakumari District.
42. ‘Pothuvudaimai Veerar’ P. Jeevanandam Manimandapam, Sir C.P. Ramasamy Memorial Park, Nagercoil, Kanniyakumari District.
43. Memorial Park in Kayathar, Thoothukudi District where Veerapandiya Kattabomman was hanged.
44. ‘Kanniyathendral’ Quaid-e-Milleth Manimandapam, behind Quaid-e-Milleth Govt. College for Women, Chennai.
45. Thanthai Periyar Memorial, Vaikkam, Kottayam District, Kerala State.
46. Veeran Azhagu Muthukkone Manimandapam, Kattarangulam, Thoothukudi District.
A Manimandapam has been constructed in memory of “Koppalottiya Thamizhan” V.O. Chidambaranar at Tirunelveli at an estimated cost of Rs.75 lakhs. It would be declared open soon.
The Government have allotted 0.65 acres of Government land worth Rs.10.19 crores near Adyar Andhra Mahila Sabha to the South India Artistes’ Association on their request for land for construction of a Memorial for Nadigar Thilagam Sivaji Ganesan.
Land measuring 0.46.5 Ha costing Rs.43,500 has been acquired for constructing a Memorial for the former Chief Minister Omanthoor Ramasamy Reddiar in Omanthoor Village, Tindivanam Taluk of Villupuram District. Proposal for constructing the Manimandapam at an expenditure of Rs.75 lakhs is under the consideration of the Government.
Land measuring 1.00 acre has been identified for construction of a Manimandapam in memory of “Mootharignar Rajaji” at Mornapalli near Thorappalli in Krishnagiri District. Construction would begin after receiving the estimate from the PWD and allocation of necessary funds.
Private land measuring 3.05.0 Ha has been acquired at a cost of Rs.19.67 lakhs for constructing a Manimandapam for freedom fighter Theeran Chinnamalai at Odanilai of Arachalur Village in Erode District. Hon’ble Chief Minister has ordered an allocation of Rs.30 lakhs for the construction of Manimandapam. A community hall would also be constructed here with an allocation of Rs.20 lakhs from the Modakkurichy MLA’s Constituency development fund.
Land measuring 0.81.0 Ha costing Rs.1,28,253 has been acquired for constructing Athiyaman Kottam with a marriage hall in Athiyaman Kottai of Dharmapuri District. Action is being taken for allocation of Rs.112 lakhs for this construction. In commemoration of the valedictory of Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Birth Centenary Celebrations, a memorial pillar and a manimandapam are being constructed near Virudhunagar Municipal Guest House at an expenditure of Rs.5 lakhs and 9 lakhs respectively, for which the Hon’ble Chief Minister laid foundation on 14-7-2003. The construction is nearing completion.
As part of Thiruppur Kumaran’s centenary celebrations, a bust size bronze statue of ‘Tiruppur Kumaran’ has been installed at Tiruppur Kumaran Memorial.
Bharat Ratna Dr.M.G.R.’s museum has been constructed at a cost of Rs.38.50 lakhs in the campus of Dr.M.G.R. Memorial at Chennai. The museum will be inaugurated soon.
Nine feet tall bronze statues costing Rs.2.50 lakhs each of former President of India Dr.S. Radhakrishnan and Thanthai Periyar would soon be installed at the Parliament House, New Delhi.
Work is in progress to install granite Information boards with the life sketches of relevant leaders in 28 memorials at an expenditure of Rs.7 lakhs.
A full size bronze statue of Thiyagi Shenbagaraman would be installed in front of Thiyagigal Manimandapam at Guindy, Chennai.
An estimate for Rs.36.80 lakhs has been received from the PWD for constructing a memorial and to make a statue for Desingu Rajan, the King of Senjikottai at the place of his death in Kadali Village, Senji Taluk, Villupuram District. Construction of memorial would begin after acquisition of land by the Revenue Department.
On 9-3-2005, Hon’ble Chief Minister has announced in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly that a memorial would be constructed at a suitable place for Rettaimalai Srinivasan on behalf of the Government. Necessary action has been initiated in this regard.
On 10-3-2005, Hon’ble Chief Minister has announced in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly that the house at Madurai - Thirunagar, wherein Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar spent his last days would be converted into a memorial. Action has been initiated in this regard.
CHAPTER - 6
GOVERNMENT FUNCTIONS - MULTIMEDIA PUBLICITY CAMPAIGNS
The Government of Tamil Nadu honours great National leaders who fought for the freedom of our country and other eminent scholars and leaders who toiled for the cause of language and society by organising Functions on the occasion of Birth and Death Anniverseries to perpetuate their memory.
Every year the following leaders are respected by garlanding their statues on their birthdays. 1. January 17 Birthday of Bharath Ratna Dr.M.G.R.
2. January 23 Birthday of Nethaji Subash Chandra Bose
3. January 30 Death Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi
4. April 14 Birthday of Dr.Ambedkar
5. April 27 Birthday of Sir Pitty Thiyagarayar
6. April 29 Birthday of Paventhar Bharathi Dasan
7. June 5 Birthday of ‘Kanniyathendral’ Quaid-e-Milleth
8. June 24 Birthday of Kaviarasar Kannadasan
9. July 15 Birthday of Perunthalaivar Kamarajar
10. July 17 ‘Thiyagigal Dhinam’ - Thiyagi Sankaralinganar and Thiyagi Arya alias Bashyam
11. September 5 Birthday of ‘Kappalottiya Thamizhan’ V.O.C.
12. September 15 Birthday of ‘Perarignar’ Anna
13. September 17 Birthday of Thanthai Periyar
14. September 29 Birthday of Former Mayor Sivaraj
15. October 2 Birthday of Mahatma Gandhi
16. October 30 Birthday of Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar
17. November 14 Birthday of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru
18. December 10 Birthday of Mootharignar Rajaji
19. December 11 Birthday of Mahakavi Bharathiyar
During 2004-2005, the birth anniversaries of the following leaders were celebrated in districts. 1. Rebel Muthuramalinga Sethupathi’s birthday was celebrated on 19.6.2004 in Ramanathapuram.
2. Theeran Chinnamalai’s birthday Aadi Peruvizha was celebrated on 2.8.2004 in Odanilai in Erode District.
3. ‘Valvil Ori Vizha’ was celebrated on 3.8.2004 in Kollimalai Hills in Namakkal District.
4. V.O. Chidambaranar’s birthday was celebrated on 7.9.2004 in Ottapidaram in Thoothukudi District.
5. Birthday of Veerapandiya Kattabomman was celebrated on 15.9.2004 at Panchalankurichi, Thoothukudi District.
6. Veeran Sundaralingam’s birthday was celebrated on 25.9.2004 in Kawarnagiri in Thoothukudi District.
7. Birthday of Mahatma Gandhi was celebrated in Chennai and in all districts on 2.10.2004.
8. A postal stamp featuring Thiruppur Kumaran was released on 4-10-2004 to mark his birth centenary at Sennimalai, Erode District.
9. A postal stamp featuring Marudupandiar brothers was released on 24-10-2004 to mark their death anniversaries.
10. Pasumpon Muthuramaliga Thevar’s birthday was celebrated in Madurai and Ramanathapuram districts on 30.10.2004.
11. Mootharignar Rajaji’s birthday was celebrated on 10.12.2004 at Thorappalli in Krishnagiri District.
12. Mahakavi Bharathiyar’s birthday was celebrated on 11.12.2004 at Ettayapuram in Thoothukudi District.
13. The birth centenary celebrations of Thiruppur Kumaran was held in a grand manner on 12.2.2005 at Erode at an expenditure of Rs.2 lakhs.
MULTIMEDIA PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN
Multimedia Publicity Campaigns are organised in districts by co-ordinating various Government departments to display the activities and achievements of the Government by erecting stalls.
Mini photo exhibitions are also organised during mass contact programme by the District Collectors, held once in a month in every District.
DISTRICT PUBLICITY CO-ORDINATION COMMITTEE
Publicity campaigns are held in districts by various departments to create awareness among the people about Government Schemes, developmental activities and eligibility conditions for availing various welfare assistance. In order to co-ordinate the publicity work, District Publicity Co-ordination Committees were constituted in all Districts with the respective District Collectors as Chairman. The committee is convened once in a month under the Chairmanship of the Collector, to discuss various strategies to be adopted for effective publicity.
CHAPTER - 7 TAMIL NADU GOVERNMENT FILM AWARDS
In order to encourage the Tamil Film Industry, the Government of Tamil Nadu has been giving away Film Awards to the best Tamil feature films, actors, actresses and technicians from the year 1968 onwards. Every year, a committee is constituted by the Government to select the best feature films, actors, actresses and technicians. The following awards are presented to the films selected by the committee.
1. First Prize .. Rs.2 lakhs and a memento
2. Second Prize .. Rs.1 lakh and a memento
3. Third Prize .. Rs.75,000 and a memento
4. Special Prize .. Rs.75,000 and a memento
A cash award of Rs.1.25 lakh is awarded as special prize to a Tamil film which portrays the upliftment, development and dignity of women.
A five sovereign gold pendant and a memento are presented to the selected actors, actresses and technicians. Dubbing Artistes (both male and female) have been included for these awards from the award year 2000. New awards for Best Character Artiste (Male), Best Character Artiste (Female) and Best Comedy Artiste (Female) were set up from the year 2001. Cash awards of Rs.50,000/- as first prize Rs.25,000/- as second prize and Rs.10,000/- as third prize are given away to films depicting values of a planned and limited family.
VETERAN AWARDS
Veteran awards are presented in the name of Arignar Anna, Kalaivanar, Raja Sandow, M.G.R., Kavignar Kannadasan, Nadigar Thilagam Sivaji and Thiagaraja Bhagavathar who have made indelible marks in the history of Tamil film industry and won the hearts of the millions.
FILM AWARDS FUNCTION
Hon’ble Chief Minister honoured the Tamil Cinema Industry by presenting Tamil Nadu Government Film Awards for the years 2000, 2001 and 2002 at a glittering function held at Madras University Centenary Hall on 3-12-2004.
Selection of films for Tamil Nadu Government Film Awards for 2003 has been completed. Applications received for film awards for 2004 are under scrutiny.
GOVERNMENT SUBSIDY
To encourage production of low-budget, social conscious, quality Tamil feature films, the Government of Tamil Nadu is implementing a scheme of granting subsidy to such films. Every year, a Selection Committee is constituted by the Government to select quality Tamil films. The selected films were granted subsidy at the rate of Rs.5 lakhs per film. The Hon’ble Chief Minister has ordered the enhancement of this subsidy to Rs.7 lakhs, from the year 2003 onwards. 21 low budget quality Tamil Films will soon receive Rs.5 lakhs as subsidy, for the year 2000, amounting to Rs.1.05 crore.
EXEMPTION OF ENTERTAINMENT TAX
In order to encourage production of low budget quality Tamil films, entertainment tax is exempted for a period of four weeks from the date of release of the eligible films.
GOVERNMENT’S CONCESSIONS TO TAMIL FILM INDUSTRY
1. The low budget quality Tamil feature films are granted subsidy at the rate of Rs.5 lakhs each. Subsidy has been increased at the rate of Rs.7 lakhs from the year 2003 onwards. The subsidy amount for low cost quality films selected for years 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 will be distributed soon.
2. Entertainment tax is exempted to low budget quality Tamil feature films for a period of four weeks from the date of release of the eligible films.
3. Cash awards, gold medals, mementos, etc., are presented to the best Tamil films, actors, actresses and technicians.
4. Veteran awards are presented to the doyens of film industry.
5. Permission is granted for film shooting in Government premises under single window system. In addition, Rent for film shooting in Government owned places has been reduced considerably.
6. Committees have been constituted at district level and state level to resolve disputes in film industry.
7. A sum of Rupees One lakh is granted from the Chief Minister’s Public Relief Fund to the family of stunt actor who die during film shooting. A sum of Rs.50,000 is granted if he becomes incapacitated during the film shooting.
8. The licensees of cinema theatres are permitted to charge rates without any ceiling for a period of two weeks from the date of commencement of exhibition of new films in those theatres, with due advance notice to the licensing authority and the Commercial Tax Authority. 9. To prevent Video piracy, 12 units of Video Piracy Cell were formed. It is noteworthy that video piracy has been brought down considerably in Tamil Nadu, there by setting an example to the rest of the country.
CHAPTER - 8 TAMIL NADU FILMS DIVISION
Tamil Nadu Films Division produces News Reel Bulletins and Video News Magazines on important events and various welfare schemes of the Government. Previously, 12 Video News Magazines and 6 Films in 35 mm of 20 minutes and 10 minutes duration respectively were produced every year. From 2004-2005 onwards, twelve numbers of Video News
Magazine and twelve films in 35 mm are being produced.
These Video News Magazines are being telecast through Doordarshan and other private television channels to reach the people.
Each of these Video News Magazines are recorded in compact discs and 60 copies are sent to all
District Information and Public Relations Offices for field publicity. The number of copies are to be increased to 350 CDs for publicity through the District Information and Public Relations Offices for which the Government had sanctioned Rs.5 lakhs for the purchase of DVD multi copier system and the same has been purchased.
CHAPTER - 9 FILM AND TELEVISION INSTITUTE OF TAMIL NADU
The Film and Television Institute of Tamil Nadu is a top ranking Technical Institute imparting Film Techniques and training in various facets of Film Production.
The Film and TV Institute of Tamil Nadu, one of the three recognised film institutes in India, is the foremost Institute of its kind in the Country.
This institute conduct courses on Direction and Screen Play Writing, Cinematography, Sound Recording & Sound Engineering, Film Processing and Film Editing.
As per the orders of the Hon’ble Chief Minister, two additional seats have been created in addition to the usual 12 seats in each of the Diploma Courses increasing to 14 seats from the Academic Year 2001-2002 onwards.
All the Diploma Courses are approved by the All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE), New Delhi.
From the Academic Year 2004-2005, Video Song Recording has been introduced as a part of New Syllabus for the Second Year Diploma Students. The Students of each Course viz. Direction and Screen Play Writing, Cinematography, Sound Recording and Sound Engineering, Film Processing and Film Editing from second year onwards are formed as Units. Each Unit is trained independently to make a fulfledged short film.
Successful students of this institute are well placed in the Film Industry, Government and other Private TV Channels. A Programme named ``Mudhal Muyarchi’’ is being telecast every Saturday at 3.10 p.m. in the Pothigai channel of Doordarshan. Short films (Kurum Padangal) produced by diploma students with their interviews are also telecast in this programme.
Short films produced by the students viz. Pazhya Kathai, Thanneer, Desam Thaandi, Ottam, Big Bang, Anamika, Niram, Ayya, Aanandamadam, Naatrukkal and Manasu are to be telecast during April 2005.
Every year the Government of Tamil Nadu presents One Sovereign Gold Medal, Cash award of Rs.5,000 and a Memento each to the Best Director, Best Cinematographer, Best Editor, Best Sound Recordist and Best Film Processor of the Short Films produced by the students of this Institute.
A sum of Rs.75,000 is allocated for sending films produced by students to participate in the International Film Festivals with sub titles in English and for making extra copies. Films produced by the students viz. Nagaram, Niram, Ottam and Siddarth have been sent to ‘Cannes Film Festival’ to be held between 11-5-2005 and 22-5-2005 in Paris.
The sum of Rs.2 lakhs presented by M/s. Kodak India Limited has been deposited in the Bank. From the interest amount accruing from this deposit, prizes are awarded every year equally to the Best Cinematography and Film Processing students since the Academic Year 1999-2000. This institute is upgraded with modern equipments at a cost of Rs.61.45 lakhs to enable students to receive training in modern film technology and to help them keep abreast with changing growth in cine electronic equipments.
CHAPTER - 10 TAMIL ARASU
Tamil Arasu serves as a mass media disseminating information regarding the activities of various departments and the achievements of the Government.
Tamil Arasu publishes the achievements of the Government, speeches of His Excellency Governor of Tamil Nadu, Hon’ble Chief Minister and Hon’ble Ministers. It also carries literary essays, news on health, short stories and announcements of the Government, policies, schemes, programmes and details of developmental works being implemented in the Districts,
An exclusive press with modern machinery is functioning for printing of Tamil Arasu Journal. Apart from printing of Tamil Arasu journal, special publications, pamphlets, Government invitations, brochures on developmental activities of various departments are also printed.
The Tamil edition of Tamil Arasu is a monthly one and the English edition is a quarterly one. The price of a single copy of Tamil Issue is Rs. 10 and that of English is Rs.15/-. The annual subscriptions are Rs.120/- and Rs.60/- respectively.The life subscriptions (10 years) for Tamil edition and for English edition are Rs.1000/- and Rs.500/- respectively.
During April 2001, the life subscription to Tamil Arasu was a mere 1,131 out of a printing order of 48,000 copies. At present, the total number of subscription has been raised to 73,325 inclusive of Life Subscription amounting to 41,749. By increasing the subscription, Rs.4,17,49,000 has been earned as revenue to the Government.
SPECIAL PUBLICATIONS
1. Indha Arasu Eazhai Eliyorin Arasu - June 2001
2. Valam Tharum Thisayil Valarum Thamizhagam (100 Days Achievements) - August 2001
3. Periyar Virudhu - Ambedkar Virudhu - Thiru.Vi.Ka. Virudhu - Bharathiar Virudhu - Bharathidasan Virudhu, Ki.Aa.Pe. Virudhu Vazhangum Vizha - Thaguthi Urai Thoguppu - December 2001
4. Mudhal Nilai Nokki Munnerum Thamizhagam - March 2002
5. Thannikaratra Thamizhagathai Uruvakka 15 Amsa Thittam - April 2002
6. Thamizhagam Endrendrum Amaithipoongavaha Thigazhacheivom - April 2002
7. Plastic Porutkalin Theemaiyai Makkal Unaracheivom - May 2002
8. Indhiavil Mudhaleetukku Ugandha Mudhanmaiyana Maanilam Tamil Nadu - August 2002
9. Manbumigu Thamizhaga Muthalamaichar Avargalin Arikkai (Cauvery water issue), - September 2002
10. Manbumigu Thamizhaga Muthalamaichar Avargalin Arikkai (Statement after fixation of price for rice)- September 2002
11. Makkalin Nambikkaiye Namakku Valimai Tharum Sakthi - February 2003
12. Amaithi Aatchi Seluthum Thamizhagam - April 2003
13. Thamizhagathil Vivasayigalukku ilavasa Minsaram thodarkirathu - May 2003
14. Naangal Makkal Pakkam, Makkal Engal Pakkam, Vetri Engal Pakkam - February 2004
15. Maavattangalil Nadaipetra Arasu Vizhakkalil Manbumigu Muthalamaichar Avargal Aatriya Uraigalin Thoguppu 16. Makkal Nalam Pathukakkum Thamizhaga Arasin Arivippugal - May 2004
17. Naattu Makkal Nalan Kaakka Arasin Pudhu Arivippugal - June 2004
18. The Interview of Accountant General (Audit) of Tamil Nadu - A Violation of established norms and constitutional Impropriety - Statement of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Selvi J Jayalalithaa - September 2004
19. Ovvoru Naalum Thamizhaga Munnetram Ovvoru Thamizharkkum Menmai - February 2005
CHAPTER - 11
DISTRICT INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICES
The Information and Public Relations Offices in 30 districts of Tamil Nadu, publicise Government’s various developmental schemes, their implementation, achievements and new announcements among the public through news papers, televisions and radio. These District Information and Public Relations Offices are being modernised under the farsighted and able guidance of Hon’ble Chief Minister.
The newly formed Information and Public Relations Office, in the newly created Krishnagiri District on the orders of the Hon’ble Chief Minister, is now fully operational with the fund allocation under non-recurring expenditure of Rs.8.38 lakhs and recurring expenditure of Rs.7.30 lakhs.
On the orders of the Hon’ble Chief Minister, modern equipments are being provided with an allocation of Rs.146.20 lakhs to the units such as the Press Release Section, Reference Section, Photo Section, Film and TV Institute of Tamil Nadu, Tamil Nadu Films Division and Tamil Arasu Press.
Hon’ble Chief Minister distributed the 5 Video Vans to Information and Public Relations Offices at Erode, Dindigul, Dharmapuri, Virudhunagar and Krishnagiri on 1-3-2005, purchased at a cost of Rs.35 lakhs under Part-II schemes of 2004-2005.
As per the orders of the Hon’ble Chief Minister, digital cameras are to be purchased and handed over to 30 District Information and Public Relations Offices at an estimated cost of Rs.54 lakhs.
The Information and Public Relations Officers, Assistant Public Relations Officers and Photographers of this department have been given training in the operation of computers, digital cameras and in handling e-mails, at the Anna Institute of Management, Chennai at a cost of Rs.2 lakhs.
CHAPTER - 12 INFORMATION CENTRES
There are six Information Centres functioning in Chennai, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Thanjavur, Coimbatore and New Delhi under the control of this Department.
The State Information Centre at Chennai is functioning in the premises of Kalaivanar Arangam in Omanthurar Government Estate. A library housed in this Information Centre with more than 17,000 reference books serve journalists, students, general public and research scholars.
CHAPTER - 13 PART-II SCHEMES OF 2004 - 2005
SL. NAME OF SCHEME EXPENDITURE NO. AMOUNT (Rs.in lakhs)
1. Purchase of radio and tape recorders to District Information and Public Relations Offices 0.60
2. Purchase of Xerox machine for Reference Section 1.50
3. Purchase of special type furniture for Reference Section 1.35
4. Establishment of electronic archiving system in the Reference Section 5.00
5. Purchase of an additional digital camera for photo section in the headquarters 2.00
6. Purchase of heavy duty fax machine for Press Release Section 0.30
7. Second phase training to officers of Information and Public Relations Dept. 2.00
8. Purchase of non linear film editing system for the Film and TV Institute of Tamil Nadu16.65
9. Purchase of one digital ENG video shooting system for the Film and TV Institute of Tamil Nadu 28.20
10. Purchase of a computer software for screenplay and film production for the Film and TV Institute of Tamil Nadu 5.00 11. Purchase of one non linear video editing system for the Film and TV Institute of Tamil Nadu 11.60
12. Purchase of V.C.D. Multicopier system for the Tamil Nadu Films Division 5.00
13. Purchase of Video Vans for 5 district Information and Public Relations Offices35.00
14. Purchase of two additional web offset printing units for Tamil Arasu Press 32.00
Total 146.20
Twelve schemes have been implemented. Action is being taken to implement the other two schemes.
CHAPTER - 14
CINEMA, VIDEO AND CABLE TELEVISION NETWORKS
Film industry is one of the major industries in Tamil Nadu and Tamil Nadu is the largest producer of Films in Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada and Hindi. The cinema industry contributes considerable revenue to local bodies and to the Government. Viewing of movies in Cinema theatres is an important mode of entertainment for persons in lower and middle income groups. Government have therefore been extending concession to encourage growth of variety and quality in the film industry.
2. In Tamil Nadu,1771 numbers of cinema theatres are functioning under the following categories.
i. Permanent Cinema theatres - 1351
ii. Semi-Permanent Cinema theatres - 120
iii. Touring Cinema theatres - 291
iv. Open Air Cinema theatres - 09
Total - 1771
3. The Tamil Nadu Cinema (Regulation) Act 1955 and the rules framed there under, the Tamil Nadu Cinemas (Regulation) Rules, 1957, provide for proper maintenance of cinema theatres, including structural soundness of buildings, with basic amenities. 4. With a view to encourage the film industry, this Government have extended the following concessions.
a) Allowed the theatre licensee to enhance up to 75% of the existing rate of admission for all classes except the lowest class with due advance notice to the Licensing and Commercial Tax Authorities. For the lowest class, the rate should not exceed Rs.10/- (Rupees Ten only) in the cities and Rs.5/- (Rupees five only) in other places and it should be so fixed so as to be less than the rates for the next higher class and the cinema theatres should reserve for the lowest class 10% of their approved total seating strength.
b) The licensees of cinema theatres are allowed to charge rates without ceiling being fixed for a period of two weeks from the date of commencement of exhibition of new film in those theatres with due advance notice to the licensing authority and the Commercial Tax Authority.
c) This Government’s objective is that the cinema goers should get entertainment in a hygienic atmosphere, and they should enjoy the movie comfortably. Hence the Government have issued instructions to all the licensing authorities to organize a joint inspection of the theatres, and to take stern action against the theatre licensees who do not maintain the theatres properly.
d) The Government have also issued instruction to all the licensing authorities to follow the instructions issued in Government letter (D) No.664, Home (Cinema.I) dated 22.9.97 and G.O.MS.No.922 Home (Cinema.I) dated 24.8.2000 to avert fire accidents in cinema theatres for the safety of cine going public. The Government have further issued instructions to all the licensing authorities and Superintendents of Police to make surprise inspection when new films are released in theatres to detect violations in terms of additional seats provided over and above the authorized seats, and take actions against the violation of rules then and there.
5. On 23.9.04 the film industry associations gave a representation to Hon’ble Chief Minister for the development of the film industry . The Hon’ble Chief Minister has considered their request favourably, and the following measures have been implemented
i) The Government have ordered the reintroduction of maintenance charges at Rupee 1 for A/C and 0.50 paise for non A/C theatres.
ii) The entertainment tax applicable to Municipal Corporation areas and Special Grade Municipalities admissible at the rate of 25% of the gross collection for new films and 20% for the old films has been reduced to 15% and 10% respectively.
iii) In other areas compounding tax system was abolished and simple system of levy of 10% tax on the gross collection was introduced.
iv) The Government have amended the Tamil Nadu Prevention of Dangerous Activities of Bootleggers, Drug-offenders, Forest–offenders, Goondas, Immoral Traffic offenders and Slum- grabbers Act, 1982 to bring video piracy under this Act and also the Tamil Nadu Cable Television Regulation Act, 1984, so as to enhance the punishment/fine under this act.
6. VIDEO ACT AND RULES
To regulate the exhibition of films on Television Screen through Video Cassette recorders in the State of Tamil Nadu and for matters incidental or ancillary thereto, the Government have enacted the Tamil Nadu Exhibition of Films on Television Screen through the Video Cassette Recorders (Regulation) Act 1984. This Act provides for the grant of licences to individuals for exhibition of films on Television Screen through Video Cassette Recorders and for running Video Libraries. The District Collectors/ Commissioner of Police of Chennai act as the Licensing Authorities. No licence is necessary for the purpose of any exhibition of films on Television Screen through Video Cassette Recorder for domestic purpose to the family members of the household.
7. VIDEO PIRACY CELL
i. The Video Piracy Cell, CB CID, Tamil Nadu was created as per G.O.MS.No.(3D) 16, Home (Cinema.II) dated 17.2.1995. Now it is functioning under the direct control of the Additional Director General of Police, Crime, Chennai.The Government directed that the services of this cell should be utilized to check the violations relating to the Copy Right Act/Information Technology Act 2000.
ii. There are six Units of Video Piracy Cell sanctioned each with a strength of one Inspector and two Grade-1Police Constables with unit office at Chennai, Salem, Tiruchy, Coimbatore, Madurai and Tirunelveli.
iii. Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu has announced for the creation of six additional units of Video Piracy Cell during the conference of Collectors and Police Officers held in August, 2004 to strengthen the Video piracy cell. As a result, Government have sanctioned six additional Video Piracy Cell units at Chennai, St.Thomas Mount, Vellore, Dindigul, Cuddalore and Virudhunagar. The proposed headquarters and revised jurisdiction of all twelve units of Video Piracy Cell is as follows:
SL.No. UNITS AREA OF JURISDICTION
1. Chennai-I Chennai city North Range.
2. Chennai-II Chennai city Central and South Ranges
3. St.Thomas Thiruvallur,Chengalpet Mount East, Kanchipuram and Villupuram districts. 4. Vellore Vellore, Thiruvannamalai and Krishnagiri districts
5. Salem Salem City, Salem district, Namakkal and Dharmapuri districts.
6. Coimbatore Coimbatore city, Coimbatore district, Erode and Nilgiris districts.
7. Tiruchi Tiruchi city, Tiruchi district, Pudukottai and Thanjavur districts.
8. Cuddalore Cuddalore, Perambalur, Nagapattinam and Tiruvarur districts.
9. Madurai Madurai city and Madurai rural district.
10. Dindigul Dindigul,Theni and Karur districts.
11. Virudhunagar Virudhunagar, Ramanathapuram and Sivagangai districts.
12. Tirunelveli Tirunelveli city, Tirunelveli ,Tuticorin and Kaniyakumari districts.
iv. The video piracy cell is sanctioned with one car, one jeep and four Motorcycles. Apart from that, Five Jeeps from districts have been diverted to the video piracy cell. Tiruchi, Madurai, Salem, Coimbatore and Tirunelveli units on temporary basis. All the units were provided with direct telephone lines in the year 2004. Chennai, Salem, Coimbatore, Madurai,Tiruchi and Tirunelveli video piracy cell units have been declared as police stations. To control video piracy, Acts like the Copy Right Act,1957, the Tamil Nadu Exhibition of Films of TV Screen through V.C.R. and Cable T.V. Network (Regulation) Act,1984 and the Cinematography Act,1952 are invoked.
v. The following are the functions of the Video Piracy Special Cell:
1. Collection of intelligence regarding pirated VCDs. 2. Verification of information furnished by the film producers.
3. To conduct raid and arrest the accused.
4. Seizure of incriminating materials.
5. Follow-up action-Remand of the accused and filing charge sheet in the Court after completing the investigation and
6. To attend to the trial of the cases in the courts of Law.
vi. In the year 2004, two video pirates one each from Chennai and Tiruchi were detained under “The Tamil Nadu Prevention of Dangerous Activities of Bootleggers, Drug-offenders, Forest offenders, Goondas, Immoral Traffic offenders and slum-grabbers Act of 1982” as a part of the campaign to eradicate video piracy in the State.
vii. Steps have been taken to coordinate with the customs department at International Airports in the State for curbing smuggling of pirated DVDs/VCDs from abroad.
viii. In few long distance buses in the State, new movies were shown by using pirated cassettes and VCDs. Action has been taken against such long distance Buses and frequent checks are made to stop this practice. The Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation has been addressed to ensure that such activities do not take place in the State Transport Corporation Buses. In the year 2004, 57 cases were registered against bus operators for such illegal screening of films in buses using pirated VCDs.
ix. The Video Piracy Cell has registered 1180 cases in the year 2004 as against 594 cases in the year 2003. The value of incriminating properties seized by the piracy cell during the period 1.1.2004 to 31.12.2004 is Rs.12,06,43,647/-. The value of incriminating properties seized by the Video Piracy Cell for the period from 1995 to 2004 up to 31.12.04 is Rs.25,32,91,924/-.
8.CABLE TELEVISION NETWORK SYSTEM
The Government of India have enacted the Central Cable Television Network (regulation) Act 1995 and Rules 1994, which is applicable all over India. According to it, the Head Post Master is the Registering Authority. As per the amended Cable Television Network (Regulation) Act of 2000 (Act of XXXVI of 2000) District Magistrates, Sub-Divisional Magistrates and Police Commissioner, Chennai have been designated as Authorised Officers to take action against offending Cable Television Operators for contravening Section 3,5,6 or 8 of the Act.
The Video Piracy Cell, CB CID Chennai registered 53 Cable Television cases in the year 2004 as against 50 cases in the year 2003.
9. CONDITIONAL ACCESS SYSTEM (CAS)
CAS is an addressability system required for viewing the desired pay channels by subscribers. It will enable the viewers to pay only for the channels they wish to view. For viewing pay channels a “Set Top Box” (STB) is required while no STB is required for viewing free channels. This ensures that subscribers get a minimum of 30 free to air channels at a cost of Rs.72/- but the Government of India subsequently suspended the Conditional Access System through notification in February 2004. Prime channel operators in Chennai had approached the Hon’ble High Court, Chennai against the notification of Central Government and got a stay order which is still in force.
10. DIRECT-TO-HOME(DTH)BROADCASTING SERVICE
The Government of India have now introduced the Direct-to-Home(DTH) Broadcasting Service which refers to distribution of multi channel TV programmes in KuBand by using a geo-synchronous satellite system by providing TV signals directly to subscribers’ premises without passing through an intermediary such as cable operator. At present, the proposed transmission by the Government of India is on with 19 DD channels and 14 channels from private broadcasters. Receiver equipment which constitutes a small satellite dish antenna and a Set Top Box (receiver/decoder) is available in the open market and can be purchased from any television dealer. It costs approximately Rs.3,000/- to Rs.4,000/- . Further communication from Government of India towards the implementation of the scheme is awaited.
K.P. ANBALAGAN Minister for Information & Publicity and Local Administration,