Coronavirus Outbreak: IPRS Announces Emergency Relief Package To Support Its Members

Mumbai: The Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS) declared an emergency relief package amid Coronavirus lockdown across the country to support its members facing financial pressure. Along with that, several film industry biggies have pledged to help the daily wage workers amid the 21-days nationwide lockdown.

Headed by lyricist Javed Akhtar, the IPRS will provide money to around 3150 authors and music composers across various geographies to meet their basic needs for the next three weeks as the country battles the outbreak.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced a complete lockdown across the country for 21 days from Tuesday midnight, asserting that this is necessary for a decisive battle against the pandemic.

"It is our duty to support the call made by our Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi for society to support each other through this 21-day lock down period. IPRS is what it is because of all its members," Akhtar, IPRS chairperson, said in a statement.

In these challenging and trying times, IPRS, a copyright society mandated by the government of India, as a custodian of its creator members, stands shoulder to shoulder with all its members, the industry veteran said.

"This payment by IPRS is our contribution for the time being to help our creator members tide over this period of the 21-day lockdown to be able to purchase basic necessities," Akhtar added.

Akhtar did not specify the amount in the relief fund but said IPRS will be reaching out to its members to facilitate disbursement of the relief amounts on an immediate basis.

Meanwhile, filmmakers and actors, including Karan Johar, Taapsee Pannu, and Ayushmann Khurrana, have pledged their support to a new initiative aimed at supporting the daily wage-earners who have been severely affected by the lockdown imposed to combat coronavirus.

Read More: Coronavirus Outbreak: PM Modi Announces 21-Day Nationwide Lockdown From Tonight

The initiative, I Stand With Humanity, started by organisations -- the International Association for Human Values, the Art of Living Foundation and the Indian Film and TV Industry, will provide families of daily wage workers with 10 days of essential food supplies.

"I pledge to contribute and support this initiative! This is a situation that needs all our help, love, care and support," Karan posted on Twitter.

Taapsee said everyone must come forward to help the daily wage workers.

"This one for the daily wage workers. Because we need to do our bit for the ones who work with/for us. If not corona, lack of basic food might take them down. Let's help them to get through this," the actor wrote.

Ayushmann described the initiative as "truly noble".

"I vow to support this and contribute. India and Indians are under threat and each one of us have the power to make a difference. Let's support and care for each other as much as we can in this time of crisis. #Istandwithhumanity," he tweeted.

Also Read: COVID-19 Outbreak: G20 Announces $5 Trillion To Deal With Coronavirus Crisis

Kiara Advani and Rakul Preet Singh also pledged to contribute towards the initiative.

"Let's contribute! While some of us are safe at home, we can help those struggling right now... donate," Kiara said.

Rakul tweeted, "I support this noble initiative. Happy to contribute for this humanitarian cause. While staying safe at home, I urge every one else also to contribute online."

I support this noble initiative. Happy to contribute for this humanitarian cause. While staying safe at home i urge every one else also to contribute online - https://t.co/4ZMxvRadBJ#iStandWithHumanity #ArtOfLiving #BMC pic.twitter.com/zD69gAL1qT

— Rakul Singh (@Rakulpreet) March 26, 2020

Actor Varun Sharma said, "I pledge to contribute & support this initiative #iStandWithHumanity"

"In times like these, we need to step up for the ones in need. I'm happy to contribute for this humanitarian cause. And guys whoever can help, you all can also contribute online," actor Sidharth Malhotra tweeted.

Filmmaker Nitesh Tiwari wrote, "There are a lot of daily wage earners who need our help during this tough time. Please help as much as you can. Here's the link to contribute online."

Actor Bhumi Pednekar said it was important to get together and help those who are "vulnerable and in need".

Actor Dia Mirza said, "We are in this together. YES we will help #DailyWageEarners get through this with hope and dignity. I am contributing to this effort and I hope many others in our fraternity will do as well."

Filmmakers Aanand L Rai and Sanjay Gupta have also backed the cause.

One of the greatest gift a person can give another, is support. I whole heartily support this noble initiative. While staying safe at home i urge every one else also to contribute online - https://t.co/IXCYCUrB6h#iStandWithHumanity #ArtOfLiving #BMC pic.twitter.com/LdanrUzK9K

— AANAND L RAI (@aanandlrai) March 26, 2020

Gupta called upon the public to help the daily wage-earners through the initiative.

On March 18, the Producers Guild of India had announced that they have set up a relief fund for daily wage-earners impacted by the shutdown of film, television and web productions amid coronavirus pandemic.

Their decision came after many filmmakers, including Sudhir Mishra, Vikramaditya Motwane and Anurag Kashyap, raised concerns over the impact of shutdown on the daily wage workers.

(With Agency Inputs)