Plan panel to seek duty-cut for set-top boxes

In a bid to bring down prices of set-top boxes for the conditional access system proposed to be implemented from July 14 in the four metros, the Planning Commission will soon approach the finance ministry to reduce the import duties on them.

The move follows a recent performance meeting held by Deputy Chairman K C Pant with officials of information and broadcasting ministry to review the progress made in this regard.

The meeting saw a consensus amongst participants on the need for lowering the cost of such equipment to facilitate smoother transition to the new system.

Under the proposed system, cable viewers in the metros would be required to install such boxes from July 14 to view pay channels.

Currently there are no local producers for such boxes forcing the country to import its entire requirement.

I&B officials had in fact mooted a suggestion to completely do away with customs duty over the next two years which would help check cost of the boxes.

The ministry has already set up a task force to assess the requirement for such equipment while the Indian Broadcasters Foundation has agreed to associate itself with specifying conditions for set-top boxes.