Maharashtra Moves To Strengthen Legal Protection For Cinema Artists And Technicians

Last Updated:February 12, 2026, 15:53 IST

The proposed rules will deal with key issues such as social security, timely wages, insurance coverage, working hours and access to welfare schemes

In a significant move for the entertainment industry, Maharashtra’s labour department has begun work on drafting a separate rulebook for film artists and allied workers. Labour minister Aakash Fundkar said the proposed framework will be prepared under the new Labour Code and shared with industry stakeholders before it is finalised.

The announcement came after a meeting held at Mantralaya, where senior labour officials and members of the film fraternity discussed long-pending concerns of artists and technicians. The focus of the discussion was to create a clear and practical system that addresses the realities of the film and television industry.

According to the minister, the proposed rules will deal with key issues such as social security, timely wages, insurance coverage, working hours and access to welfare schemes. He said the aim is to ensure that artists and technicians are not left vulnerable in an industry that often functions on informal arrangements. “Once the draft is ready, we will invite suggestions from experts and industry representatives. Their feedback will help us shape a balanced and effective policy," he said.

Actresses Padmini Kolhapure and Poonam Dhillon, who attended the meeting on behalf of the Cine and Television Artists Association, raised several ground-level concerns. They spoke about irregular payments, lack of structured insurance support and the absence of clear safeguards for many workers behind the scenes.

Officials said the move is meant to bring stability and accountability to a sector that employs thousands but lacks uniform regulation. By framing a separate set of rules, the government hopes to offer stronger legal backing and financial security to those working in films and television. If implemented effectively, the proposed rulebook could mark an important step towards formalising labour protections in one of the state’s most visible industries.

Industry observers say this step could bring much-needed structure to a sector that thrives on creativity but often struggles with consistency in employment practices. For many artists and technicians, especially freelancers and daily-wage workers, financial uncertainty remains a constant concern. A clear and enforceable framework could help reduce disputes, ensure timely payments, and create safer working conditions. If implemented thoughtfully, the new rules may not just protect livelihoods but also strengthen the overall ecosystem of Maharashtra’s film and television industry.

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