AFTER FAILING to get a response from the State Government even after two days, cable operators under the aegis of the Madhya Pradesh Cable TV Vyavsai Mahasangh have now threatened a total cable blackout from 5 pm on Thursday.
In protest against the hike in entertainment tax, cable operators had given a call for a partial strike - transmitting only news channels and local channels.
The success of this strike is largely dependent on the multi system operators (MSOs) who transmit the channels. In Bhopal, only one of the MSOs – B TV is participating in this strike.
Operators under the aegis of Mahasangh today made a failed attempt to discuss their demand with the Minister for Commerce and Industries Babulal Gaur.
According to cable operators, the Minister refused to speak on the issue and said the State Government will not withdraw the hike of entertainment tax of Rs 20 per connection.
In a press release, Mahasangh president Iqbal Singh stated only three local channels were being shown all over the State from 11 am today. Singh stated cable operators will try to talk to the Chief Minister on Thursday about their demands.
In Bhopal, cable operators are already under pressure from viewers due to repeated cable cutting. Viewers in some parts of the City are also dilly-dallying over cable fee payment due to the fortnight long disruption in May last.
In Bhopal, cable operators are already under pressure from viewers due to repeated cable cutting. Viewers in some parts of the City are also dilly-dallying over cable fee payment due to the fortnight long disruption in May last.