WB Government intervenes in WATP and Artists Forum deadlock

Since 18^th August almost 30 big Bengali shows on major GEC channels such as Star Jalsha, Zee Bangla, and Colors Bangla was put on a halt. This was because the Artists Forum’ disputes over of delay in wages of artists, due fees and working hours were not addressed by the Welfare Association of Television Producers (WATP).

With neither body willing to compromise, West Bengal, Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee stepped in to resolve the conflict. She called a meeting between both parties in the presence of the three broadcasters. The meeting was also attended by renowned actors Prosenjit Chatterjee and Soumitra Chatterjee as well as representatives of WATP. At the end of the meeting, Banerjee reportedly told the press that problems concerning all parties had been resolved and the shooting would resume.

The news came as a huge sigh of relief of the broadcasters as delaying the shooting any longer would have resulted in large financial losses as well as loss of viewers. A Joint Conciliation Committee was proposed in the meeting that would include members of production houses, channels, artists, technicians, and will be headed by Arup Biswas. The committee intends to meet every month and resolve conflicts and ensure the smooth functioning of the industry.