Prime Minister
Narendra Modi's move to account for
black money
has found several takers. However, instantly withdrawing Rs
500
and Rs 1,000 notes has troubled a section of the society too. Incomes of commoners surviving on a daily wage system have taken a hit. The film and television industry employs several such hands that are now feeling the heat.
Filmmaker Vipul Shah, however, welcomes the move since his company seldom pays
cash
. 'We pay by cheque and our crew members are happy about that. We want black money to be controlled but we have people making a hue and cry about the difficulties they'd face for the next few days. We should do our bit for the country. It's a huge initiative and it's our turn to support it.'
Dilip Pithva, Honorary General Secretary of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), says, 'We endorse and stand by this path-breaking initiative by Modiji. Initially the running of the industry will be affected since workers' conveyance is supposed to be paid in cash but we're confident that new methods of payment disbursal will emerge. Producers also will have to understand and co-operate in this effort,' he says.
JD Majethia, producer and co-chairman of the Indian Film and TV Producers Council (IFTPC), concedes that the government decision is hard and will impact day to day life. However, he adds, 'Like every Indian, we, as an industry, will absorb and manage this crisis without panicking. We'll pay workers and artistes on weekly basis.'
Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar maintains that payments are streamlined and bills and receipts are maintained. 'So even if they are not paid after pack-up, they are paid every three-four days, by cheque.'