Centre allows 100 pct occupancy in theatres from Feb 1
New Delhi/IBNS: The Indian government has allowed 100 per cent occupancy in cinema halls from Monday in its fresh guidelines released as a part of relaxing restrictions of the coronavirus lockdown.
In a tweet, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar wrote: "Good news for Cinema lovers: Today, Issued the revised SOP for the film exhibition, 100% occupancy will be allowed in theatres from 1st February, but all @MoHFW_INDIA #COVID19 guidelines will have to be followed."
Good news for Cinema lovers:
— Prakash Javadekar (@PrakashJavdekar) January 31, 2021
Today, Issued the revised SOP for the film exhibition, 100% occupancy will be allowed in theatres from 1st February, but all @MoHFW_INDIA #COVID19 guidelines will have to be followed.https://t.co/5vfZtAoHXW@MIB_India pic.twitter.com/89qZpSiMhq
Until so far, multiplexes and cinema halls were allowed only 50 per cent occupancy in order to maintain social distancing and avoid crowds as the pandemic raged.
The move has been welcomed by the film fraternity who sees the decision as a relief to cinema halls that were closed for nearly seven months last year due to the pandemic.
Film critic and trade analyst Taran Adarsh shared the news on Twitter. He wrote: "BIGGG NEWS... 100% seating capacity allowed in cinemas/theatres/multiplexes. SOPs issued by Ministry of Information & Broadcasting."
BIGGG NEWS... 100% seating capacity allowed in cinemas/theatres/multiplexes. 👍👍👍
— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) January 30, 2021
The Producers Guild of India, a prominent film body, also welcomed the decision.
"We welcome the decision of@MIB_India to allow 100% capacity in cinemas from February 1 and extend our sincere gratitude to Honourable @PrakashJavdekarji and everyone involved in facilitating this important step in our industry’s recovery," the Guild tweeted.
We welcome the decision of @MIB_India to allow 100% capacity in cinemas from February 1 and extend our sincere gratitude to Honourable @PrakashJavdekar ji and everyone involved in facilitating this important step in our industry’s recovery
— Producers Guild of India (@producers_guild) January 30, 2021
The decision comes amid a steady decline of coronavirus cases in India and also the ongoing vaccination drive in the country.
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