The Hindu : Novel insurance scheme for cine workers

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, May 31, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Kerala-Thiruvananthapuram

Novel insurance scheme for cine workers

By N.J. Nair

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM May 30. For the first time in the history of Malayalam cinema, an insurance scheme is being introduced for people working in different departments of cinema at the behest of Trivandrum Film Fraternity.

The insurance scheme would cover everyone, from the leading artistes to the production boys who do not enjoy any such benefits at present. The Trivandrum Film Fraternity is an organisation comprising artistes, directors, technicians, producers, distributors and even those who do odd jobs in the industry. The organisation does not have any office-bearers and functions in a strictly bohemian style. Responsibilities are shared equally by all members irrespective of their status in the industry.

According to G. Suresh Kumar, member of the Fraternity, the scheme, `Cine-Mitra', on becoming operational next week would benefit almost one lakh people who are active in the industry. The scheme is being implemented by United India Insurance Company. Such schemes are already in vogue in Bollywood where the stakes are too high compared to Malayalam cinema.

``If a producer joins the scheme, the entire production unit will be eligible for benefits. Sporadic hartals and bandhs often disrupt the shooting schedules and incur heavy loss to the producers. The cancellation of shooting for a day itself would cost a heavy price to the producer. If an artiste or a crew member meets with an accident, now there are no means to provide a relief. The scheme is aimed at covering such risks,'' Mr.Suresh Kumar said.

Similarly, there are instances when huge sets erected for shooting were destroyed by fire or natural calamities. The costly equipment and set properties used for shooting, wardrobe may also get damaged in the process. Accidental loss of money, liability for injury to the workers and public due to accidents during shooting also will be covered under the scheme. But if a film flops at the box-office, the producer will not be eligible for any relief, Mr.Suresh Kumar said.

The Fraternity had been planning to implement such a scheme for quite a long time but it was delayed since the Government was unwilling to accord industry status to cinema. Now the Central Government has taken the first step and cleared the hurdles to implement such welfare schemes. The Fraternity is planning to implement more such schemes, Mr.Suresh Kumar said.

Now, the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation has also decided to finance Malayalam films produced by private or public limited corporate companies. About 50 per cent of the production cost would be provided to a project subject to a maximum limit of Rs.50 lakhs. The insurance scheme assumes more significance in the wake of the new financing scheme and is likely to be a major boost to Malayalam cinema which is passing through a troubled phase.

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