Violation of MHA guidelines - Centre asks TN to withdraw 100% occupancy move now
Posted on: 07/Jan/2021 9:24:23 AM
Just recently, TN government took many by surprise when it announced 100% occupancy in theatres and multiplexes across Tamil Nadu. There were many objections to this 100% occupancy allowed in the theatres as it was felt that sitting together in a closed atmosphere could spread the Covid-19 infection rapidly.
In this scenario, the Union Home Secretary, Mr. Ajay Bhalla had written a letter to the chief secretary of TN Mr. K. Shanmugam regarding the TN government allowing 100% occupancy in the theatres and multiplexes. The letter stated that the permission by the TN government had diluted MHA guidelines. As per the MHA guidelines, just 50% occupancy would only be allowed and that too outside the containment zones.
The letter clearly mentioned that the states and UT should not dilute the guidelines issued under the Disaster Management Act. It must be noted that the TN government allowed 100percent occupancy in the theatres and multiplexes with strict adherence to SOPs. The decision was taken by the government after it received pleas from the film industry.
Mr. Tirupur Subramanian, president, TN Theatres and Multiplex Owners Association, expressed his thoughts and said that the CM of Tamil Nadu was busy with the election tour. He added that a decision would be taken once when the CM comes back to Chennai. Reduction in the Coronavirus infection cases in TN was the reason cited by the TN government’s decision or order (on 4th January 2021) for allowing 100% occupancy in the theatres and multiplexes. The theatres were asked to screen short films to create awareness among the people about the Covid-19 norms etc.
The TN government’s decision to allow 100% occupancy in the theatres and multiplexes was appreciated by the Tamil film industry and theatre owners. It is worthy to mention that for the Pongal festival the industry has lined up big budget films like ‘Master’ of actor Vijay and ‘Easwaran’ of actor Simbhu etc.
The move to permit 100% occupancy in the theatres had made health experts, others etc to express their displeasure are known. They were of the view that this might lead to a second Covid wave.
