Amidst nationwide lockdown, everything has come to a halt including shootings. The novel Coronavirus has taken everyone under its sway and even now the cases have been rising every day like anything. However, the government has eased down the restrictions. And hence, the filmmakers have decided to resume shootings and other related works.

In the midst of all, a report has been surfacing on the internet which claims that crew and cast members, working on TV shows will henceforth get a mediclaim and an insurance cover for the deadly virus infection.

As per a report in Mumbai Mirror, it has been finalised that they will get a mediclaim of Rs 2 lakh each for treatment and Rs 25 lakh as insurance for Covid-19 infection.

This move comes days after Cine and Television Artist’ Association (CINTAA) and Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) had issued a press release, insisting that producers meet their demands before resuming shoot. One of their major concerns has now been addressed.

The report quoted producer JD Majethia as saying, “We’re glad that the issue of insurance and other important matters are resolved. Policy premium will be paid by producers and broadcasters. We can begin shoots on June 25, depending on preparedness of the makers.” The report also added that the production houses began the paperwork for insurance on Tuesday.

Earlier this week, CINTAA and FWICE said in a joint statement, “It is highly regretted to note that even after the strict directives issued by the I & B ministry to all the producers to clear the outstanding dues of the actors, workers and technicians pending prior to the announcement of the lockdown by the Government amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Producers have still not cleared the outstanding dues of our members. All the outstanding dues of our members should be cleared prior to the resumption of the shootings.” They also listed down their demands that included insurance cover for all crew and cast, ensuring that no one loses jobs because they refused to take a pay cut and settling of payments by day end for daily wage workers, among a few other demands.

In an interaction with Hindustan Times, JD Majethia said they’ve received permissions from locations in and around Mumbai — Film City Chitra Nagari, Mira Road, Thane, Palghar etc. Hence, shooting for other shows may start from Thursday once they sort out insurance issues. “For now, we’ll avoid marriage and party scenes. In the long run, we’ll restructure the industry’s working pattern.”

Producer JD Majethia has also participated in the video meeting CM Uddhav Thackeray held with people in the TV industry about CM plans to go about resuming work.