Jaitley, guest of honour at the inaugural of the week-long International Children's Film Festival here, deplored violence and sex inflicted by mainstream cinema on children for commercial purposes and wanted a movement of children's films in the country. The Union minister showered praised on the State government, particularly Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, for developing Andhra Pradesh as a role model in the country.

The Chief Minister inaugurated "The Golden Elephant" - the 11th edition of the festival which got off to a colourful start at the Lalita Kala Toranam Open Air Auditorium here amidst enthralling cultural programmes staged by tiny-tots drawn from different schools.

The CM was assisted by national award winner, Telugu child artiste Kaavya in lighting the lamp and releasing the mascot "Gajju." Home andCinematography Minister T Devender Goud and Children's Film Society of India chairperson Sai Paranjpe were present.

Fully endorsing the Union minister's views on children's films, Naidu said that the State government had tentatively agreed to enhance the cash subsidy to producers of children's films from Rs 5 lakh to 10 lakh, besides exempting the hire charged for government locales. In view of the ongoing Assembly session, the CM said, he would make an announcement on the floor of the House on various concessions proposed for producers of children's films.

Underscoring the role played by cinema in shaping social behaviour and personality of younger generation and instilling a sense of responsibility among viewers, Naidu said that in the background of some "bad" movies which were influencing the children, there was a need for the film makers to produce good movies and motivate the children.

The State was willing to extend all cooperation to those who come forward for making children's films, constructstudios and set up infrastructure units in the state. The State was committed to develop cinema medium in the State and Hyderabad would soon be developed as the film capital of the country, Naidu said.

He addedd that the construction of the proposed National Children's Film Complex in the city announced two years ago could not be taken up due to "technical reasons."