New Delhi, Nov 20 (KNN) In response to the 18 per cent tax on theatre tickets exceeding the 250 rupee amount, the Graama Seva Sangh backed by theatre artists continues its agitation ‘Satyagrah’ against the newly implemented Goods and Services Tax (GST) in the country.

Talking to KNN, Abhilash, Convenor of the Graama Seva Sangh informed about the latest development in the industry’s movement.

He said that in the previous tax regime, the theatre was considered to a part of the handmade products-handloom industry and hence wasn’t taxed, but with the coming of the Goods and Services Tax, the industry is placed under 18 per cent taxation which is hurting the art severely.

He informed that despite several representations made before the GST council including the state Chief Minister of Karnataka Siddaramaiah writing to Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to consider the demands, nothing has been done in the line so far.

As a part of the protest against the  new tax and the ongoing tax Denial Satyagrah, the committee is holding a series of theatre plays and is being charged at 251 rupees, defying the 18 per cent tax that is supposed to be paid on it.

“A performance by Shah Rukh Khan and performance by a small scale artist is being taxed at the high 18 per cent, how can the two be seen in one light” he questioned referring to the tax structure.

The organizers will be holding a play titled Taayavva on the 21^st of November, under a similar theme of taxation. (KNN/DA)