Shoots Allowed To Resume All Over The Country, I&B Minister Issues Long List Guidelines To Be Followed On Set

The entire world had been facing an unprecedented situation after the coronavirus pandemic broke out. Everyone around the world went into lockdown in an attempt to control the spread of the highly contagious virus. But even then, jobs were at stake and many people were left with no money to fend themselves. In India, one of the worst-hit industries were the film and TV industries that lost out on thousands of crores. But now, those associated with the industries can finally heave a sigh of relief. The Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Mr. Prakash Javedkar, has said in a statement that shoots can resume throughout the country now.

The official statement released by the Ministry read, “I am today very happy to announce that we are today releasing the Standard Operating Procedure for film shooting and TV program shooting because last six months, the country saw a complete closure of this segment of the industry and a few states allowed partial shootings. But, today, we are laying SOP as per the international experience with the consultation of the Home Ministry and the Health ministry. This will be welcomed by the film industry because it (the industry) is an important aspect of the economy and it employs millions of people. They were not getting jobs for the last four-five months. We have issued this to facilitate the production activity to resume in all respects. I am very sure everyone will welcome this and all the states will welcome this.”

Mr. Javedkar took to his social media to also share a long list of guidelines that need to be strictly followed on the sets, which includes the basics like the use of masks, gloves, and face covers to thermal screening and maintaining distance to not allowing visitors on sets. Here's what he tweeted:

Filmmakers like Boney Kapoor thanked him for the announcement.

We hope that this comes as a relief to those who had lost out on work due to the lockdown. But, would this be able to erase the fear that people have in their minds about contracting the virus?