Govt promoted TV programme 'Startup Ki Baat' airs first show on DD National

The idea of launching a dedicated TV show for startups during Budget 2019 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has quickly translated into reality. Inspired from PM Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' show to address citizen via radio, the newly launched show 'Startup Ki Baat' will be aired on DD National channel every Sunday at 5 pm.

This will be the first-ever TV show launched by the government to promote local startups and entrepreneurs and discuss issues affecting their growth, matchmaking with VC, funding and tax planning.

"We welcome you all to the launch of our TV Show "Startup Ki Baat". Heartfelt stories from cofounders of Startups across stages and industries, and their insights from the world of entrepreneurship," said a tweet by Startup India.

To recall, DIPP (Now DPIIT) had formulated a concept of launching American TV series 'Shark Tank' kind of reality show in August 2016. Dedicated to startups, the show was also expected to be aired on DD National.

At the very first show at Startup Ki Baat, entrepreneurs Karan Nambiar (co-founder Trunk it Music) and Dhruv Sahni (Founder Ships Cart) elaborated how they went from an idea to a venture, the challenges they faced and support available at the governmental level.

Experts from Startup India including Aastha Grover and the industry were present to make viewers understand how ideas evolve into products and dreams become reality.

Apart from DD National, the show will also be available on DTH service providers including Tata Sky, Dish TV, Airtel Digital TV among others.

The development comes amidst the long-pending issue of Angel Tax, which has been hampering several startups to achieve their goal. However, the Budget did not clarify the steps it will take to pass relief to over 200 affected startups.

As per the latest figure provided by the govt, around 541 startups have been said to receive exemption notifications from Angel Tax. Still, several startups complain about getting harassed by tax department over Angel Tax.