The Maharashtra government has decided to reduce the annual rent increase for drama theatres operated by municipal corporations in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region from the existing 5% to 1–2%, in a move aimed at supporting the state's theatre industry.
The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar, who directed municipal corporations to reconsider the existing rent structure. Until a revised proposal is finalised, theatre rentals will be restored to their pre-COVID base rates.
Municipal officials informed the meeting that rising electricity, maintenance and repair costs had made annual rent revisions necessary. However, Shelar stressed the need to strike a balance between the financial sustainability of civic bodies and the interests of Marathi theatre artists and producers.
Representatives from the Marathi theatre fraternity also urged the government to provide permanent space in Dadar, Parel, Lalbaug and Shivdi for storing stage sets and theatre equipment, as well as parking for production vehicles. They said the lack of affordable storage facilities often results in damage to stage materials during the monsoon.
Responding to the demand, Shelar directed officials to examine whether a portion of encroachment-free land at Mankhurd, originally proposed for Film City-related development, could be allocated for theatre warehouses and vehicle parking. He asked officials to submit a feasibility report within a month and also instructed the Mumbai Suburban Collector to identify alternative sites.
To improve the financial viability of municipal theatres, the minister further directed civic bodies to set up a special committee within the next three months to explore additional revenue-generating measures, including solar power projects, LED advertising displays and other income-enhancing initiatives.
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