NEW DELHI: Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi has appealed to the Maharashtra Government to review its entertainment tax structure, noting that a 40 per cent entertainment tax is levied in the state.

A former Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Naqvi also stressed on the need to encourage documentary culture in India as short films and documentaries have proved to be a medium to enhance knowledge of people on different social economic and culture issues.

He was speaking at an event in Mumbai to mark the 100 short film concept, written by him on "personalities of India" and the screening of film My Life in Mumbai over the weekend.

He said there are significant short and documentary filmmakers and they need to be encouraged. Naqvi expressed that through short and documentary films social values, tradition and culture can be effectively showcased.

Documentaries on issues like social, economic, political environment, human rights, education, health, gender equality, women empowerment and poverty can create an awakening in society at large.

He added that infotainment channels in the country should have dedicated slots for showcasing short films and documentaries.