In a significant move celebrating the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s (RSS) centenary, the Chhattisgarh government has declared the film ‘Shatak: 100 Years of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’ tax-free across the state. This decision, announced by the Commercial Tax Department, takes effect from Saturday and will remain in place for the next six months, until February 28, 2026.
The order categorizes the film under a special exemption, waiving State Goods and Services Tax (SGST) on tickets. Officials emphasize that ‘Shatak’ chronicles the historical and ideological journey of the RSS, making it essential viewing for a wide audience. By removing the tax burden, the government aims to boost accessibility and encourage more viewers to engage with this pivotal narrative.
Movie theaters and multiplexes have been instructed to sell tickets at reduced prices, excluding SGST, without hiking base admission fees. They will initially pay the tax to the state, which will reimburse them promptly. This mechanism ensures direct savings for audiences, potentially driving higher footfalls in cinemas statewide.
The announcement has sparked considerable buzz, with expectations of increased screenings and discussions around the film’s content. As Chhattisgarh joins other states in recognizing culturally significant cinema, this step underscores the film’s role in documenting a century of national service and organizational legacy. Viewers can now experience this landmark production at a lower cost, fostering greater public appreciation of RSS’s contributions over the decades.