New Delhi, February 12: During a discussion on the budget for the entertainment sector in the Rajya Sabha, Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan raised concerns about rising ticket prices, questioning Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's approach. Praising the minister's answers, Bachchan remarked, "You are a great storyteller. For us, great entertainment. But I am talking about the entertainment industry and ticket prices. We are the highest tax-paying industry."
In response, Sitharaman clarified that the issue of entertainment tax and ticket pricing lies within the purview of state governments, not the central government. "On the specific question raised by you regarding high ticket prices, I must say that entertainment tax and ticketing are state subjects. There’s no point in asking me," she explained.
Bachchan's remarks came while the Finance Minister was addressing her question about the Union Budget 2026 and its provisions for the entertainment industry. Sitharaman refuted the MP's concerns, asserting that the budget had given "sustained attention" to the sector. She pointed out that the budget recognized animation, visual effects, and content creation as key economic growth drivers, with measures already in place to boost the sector.
"We have provided support for the skilling of content creators, animators, and visual artists. The Indian Institute of Creative Technologies will now establish content-creator labs in 1,500 schools across the country. By 2030, two million professionals will be created. Content creation is a highly skilled sector," the Finance Minister stated.
Additionally, Sitharaman noted that new branches of the National Institute of Design are being set up to address the skill gap in design, costumes, sets, and visual aesthetics. She also highlighted the successful hosting of the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit 2025 in Mumbai, which saw over 10,000 delegates from more than 90 countries.
"Over 300 companies participated in the summit. Thousands of creators were present. Are these not efforts towards the entertainment industry?" Sitharaman asked, underlining the government's commitment to supporting the sector.
