Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Releases SOP for Media
Production
Media Production is a major economic activity that has contributed
immensely to the GDP of our country. Given
the current COVID – 19 Pandemic, it is crucial that various stake holders involved
in activities of Media Production take suitable measures to restrict the transmission
of the pandemic, while at the same time resuming/conducting their operations and
activities.
The Ministry of I&B, in consultation
with the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, has prepared the Guiding Principles
and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on preventive measures for Media Production,
released on 23 August 2020 by Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting
Mr. Prakash Javadekar in New Delhi. The highlights of the guiding principles include
the general principles which have been given by the Ministry of Health & Family
Welfare including inter alia non-essential activities not allowed in the
containment zone in COVID-19, employees with high risk to take extra precautions,
as also use of face covers/masks, frequent hand washing, provision of hand sanitizers
etc. and respiratory etiquettes specifically with regard to the Media Production.
The Ministry has formulated the general SOPs taking into consideration
international practices notified in the sector including physical distancing, designated
entry and exit for shoot locations, sanitization, safety of staff, contact minimization
and following of travel related guidelines issued by MHA including quarantine/isolation.
Specifically, with regard to face masks, as per international practices, face mask
has been made mandatory for cast and crew except for actors in front of the camera.
The Guiding Principle and SOP may be used by all States and other
stake holders and State Governments while resuming Media
Production.
Releasing the guidelines Union Minister Mr. Prakash Javadekar said “the SOP follows international
norms. This will help give a fillip to the industry which has been affected due
to coronavirus for close to 6 months now and people will welcome this move by the
Ministry.” Mr. Javadekar also said that the move is also
aimed at boosting the economy as the film and television sector provides employment
to large number of people.
The Minister expressed hope that all the States will accept the
SOP and implement it and will add to the conditions if needed. The SOP has been
issued in consultation with Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Ministry of
Home Affairs.