Karnataka allows cinema halls to operate at 100 percent capacity for 4 weeks on trial basis
Bengaluru, Feb 3: Considering the hardships faced by Kannada film industry's artistes, producers and workers, it has been decided to allow cinema halls to fill up to 100 percent of their capacity for four weeks on a trial basis, Health and Medical Education Minister K Sudhakar said on Wednesday.
The minister made the announcement after a meeting held as per instructions of Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa with key office-bearers of the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce and representatives from the industry.
As per technical advisory committee's recommendations, the Health department had earlier allowed 50 per cent seatings in cinema halls.
Though Centre had given green signal for 100 per cent seating, the decision was left to the discretion of state governments depending on the situation in each state, he noted.
The film industry had opposed this decision and requested to reconsider it keeping in view the welfare of those employed in this field.
They had also appealed to the Chief Minister to support them in this "difficult time".
"It was discussed and as per the instructions of Chief Minister, the decision has been taken to allow 100 per cent seatings for four weeks.Strict guidelines will be released tomorrow," he said.
"Owners of cinema halls should adhere to these guidelines and people should strictly follow.If any case of COVID-19 is detected, government will have to inevitably revoke the decision," the minister cautioned.
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Karnataka Home Minister Parameshwara hints at extending legislative session
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Thursday indicated that the legislative session may be extended by two or three days.
The session was convened on January 22, which, as per the schedule, would go on till January 31. However, the government is considering extending it further.
"Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said in the Congress Legislative Party meeting yesterday (Wednesday) that the government will request Speaker U T Khader to convene a Business Advisory Council (BAC). There a decision will be taken," Parameshwara told reporters.
"It will be decided in the BAS whether the session should conclude on Saturday or be extended till February one or two," he added.
The minister said the chief minister or ministers cannot decide on extending the session since it is Khader’s prerogative.
