Photographers plead for financial aid from govt

Vijayawada: On World Photography Day, photographers and welfare associations across the state urged the government to help them overcome the Covid-19 crisis. Photo and Videographers Sankshema Sangam AP (PVSSAP) mourned the death of 30 photographers who, according to the association, have died owing to financial troubles brought on by Covid-19 and the ensuing lockdown.
Photographers have suffered a major financial blow as weddings and other events have remained stalled since March.The unlock process hasn’t yet been of much help as the government continues to impose restrictions on weddings and other celebrations.
Madala Ramesh, state president of PVSSAP, said, “We celebrate World Photography Day on a grand note. But this year, there is no celebration. The 2.1 lakh photographers registered with our association are in deep trouble.”
He said that even as the government is providing financial support to other groups, photographers are not being paid any heed. “We have given memorandums to ministers and officials and even staged a one-day bandh. But there hasn’t been any response,” he added.
Photographers are requesting the government to extend financial support to them with white ration cards.