MAI Delegation meets Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister, seeking reopening of Cinemas in Delhi
Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, Shri Manish Sisodia met prominent cinema owners and members of Multiplex Association of India (MAI). In the meeting, delegation requested for Deputy Chief Minister’s intervention in reopening of Delhi cinemas.
The delegation highlighted the adverse economic situation being faced by the Film and Cinema industry due to COVID induced multiple shut downs since March 2020. Deputy Chief Minister was informed that Government’s decision to shut down Cinemas in Delhi while enforcing the ‘yellow’ alert of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has caused massive uncertainty leading to big film releases, such as JERSEY, being cancelled.
The delegation urged the Minister to give cinemas an equal treatment with comparable industries and institutions, as cinemas have already demonstrated an ability to operate
safely for the public and employees via usage of enhanced ventilation systems, enhanced hygiene, and other safety protocols. Not a single outbreak of Covid-19 anywhere around the world has been traced to a cinema. The delegation also submitted a research report on – ‘Low COVID Transmission Risk in Cinemas’, research captures findings at various cinemas across the globe.
Delegation highlighted the unique social, cultural and economic value of the Indian film industry, and requested the Deputy Chief Minister to provide the support it
so desperately needs to survive this unprecedented period.
Cinema delegation was led by Mr Ajay Bijli, Chairman, PVR Limited, he said “we fully appreciate the challenges at the Government’s end in these tough times, however, instead of closing the cinemas, we would urge the Delhi Government to consider introducing ‘double vaccination requirement’ to enter cinemas, as is the case in some other states. Alternatively, the seating capacity restriction of 50% can be reintroduced at cinemas” Deputy Chief Minister assured the delegation that the matter would be taken up with Delhi Disaster Management Authority Task Force and other Government Officers.