Severely hit by the unprecedented Covid-19 and subsequent lockdowns and shutdowns, Television artists in Odisha on Monday demanded the Odisha government to allow them to start indoor shooting of serials.
Raising questions over the State government's decision of a blanket ban on shootings, artists under the banner of 'Odia Kalakara Nka Swara' demanded the issuance of an SOP by July 1 allowing them to shoot indoors. Moreover, they also threatened to hit the streets if their demands were not met.
"The Odisha government has not provided us any help or assistance during the pandemic. We also vote, pay taxes. Don't we have any contribution towards nation building," asked an artist.
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"We have sent mails to all concerned government officials urging them to allow indoor shootings with limited crew members. It is really unfortunate that none of the officials reverted back to us," alleged another artist.
More than 5,000 artists and technician earn their livelihood by working in the television industry and production houses. The government suddenly made an announcement for complete closure of both indoor and outdoor shootings on May 16. Why the government, did not come up with an alternative solution for us, the TV artist body questioned.
The artists body also urged the government to come up with an SOP by July 1 allowing them to start indoor shooting with minimum crew members failing to which the artists will resort to street demonstration, the organisation added.