No data on workers in entertainment industry: Par Panel

Government does not have data on the workers in TV and broadcasting studios, which "lacked" even basic amenities, a Parliamentary panel has said.

It said that the "toil of these workers" are "never accorded its due as they are always behind the lens and not in front of it".

While around two crore artistes and workers are estimated to be working in broadcasting industry, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on labour has recommended that the ministries of labour and employment, as well as information and broadcasting, should conduct a nationwide survey to have an accurate data on these workers.

The ministry of labour and employment has told the panel that there was a problem in identification of these workers as most of them were working on "piece rate basis" where a worker is paid a fixed piece rate for each unit produced or action performed regardless of time.

The panel, which had conducted a study tour to Mumbai, was also disappointed at the condition of studios. During its visit, it was apprised of the pathetic conditions in which TV industry workers have to work.

"The studios lacked basic civic amenities, lending to unhygienic working conditions and lack of basic safety infrastructure, including firefighting equipment which posed a grave danger to their personal well-being and safety," it said.

The panel asked the two ministries to "work in tandem with all concerned agencies who accord statutory clearances to studios to ensure that infrastructure is up to the mark, so that the safety and welfare concerns of all people involved in television/broadcasting/digital entertainment industry is adequately taken care of".

Quoting a FICCI report, the panel said the media and entertainment industry has reached Rs 1.5 trillion in 2017, a 13% increase from the previous year. It is predicted to cross Rs two trillion by 2020.

"While applauding the rapid growth of this sector and its positive impact on the economy, the Committee desires that the ministry of labour and employment and the ministry of information and broadcasting work in unison to ensure that the welfare and safety of workers of this vital sector is never compromised," it said.