NEW DELHI: The Cable Operators Welfare Federation (COWF) has been assured by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal that he would examine their grievances including the recent hike in entertainment tax by the Delhi government.

In a meeting that lasted more than an hour, Kejriwal heard the 30-member delegation led by its president Surjeet Singh on various issues.

COWF convenor Ramesh Zadoo later told indiantelevision.com that the meeting was “positive, fruitful and favourable for local cable operators” and the CM promised to protect the interest of cable operators.

Kejriwal promised a study of entertainment tax within seven days and said if the demand of the LCOs of reducing the tax to Rs 20 is possible, the government will consider a roll back of the recent hike.

COWF suggested to the CM that he could offset the loss on account of entertainment tax by increasing the tax on DTH to Rs 50 as that is aimed at the upper class. They also complained about supply of inferior Set Top Boxes by multi-system operators. They also referred to VAT & tax evasion by MSO and broadcasters. The COWF also apprised Kejriwal about the harassment and switching off STB/ disconnecting line without notice by MSOs, thus inconveniencing the public.