Pranav Birje Senior Correspondent
CINTAA has given a new edge to the fight for rights under the Labor Code.
CINTAA is serious about the safety and social protection of artists
Mumbai: A crucial meeting held at Mantralaya in Mumbai on February 11, 2026, raised hopes of a new direction for the film industry’s future. CINTAA (Cine & TV Artistes’ Association) President Poonam Dhillon and Senior Vice President Padmini Kolhapure met with Maharashtra’s Honorable Labor Minister Akash Fundkar and senior officials from the Labor Department to discuss in detail the rights, protections, and socio-economic protections for artists under the new Labor Code. This meeting was not merely a formal meeting, but a powerful initiative to bring the voices of artists to the center of policy-making. Chaired by Honorable Labor Minister Akash Fundkar, the meeting was attended by Principal Secretary (Labor) Mrs. Idjes Kundan, Labor Commissioner Dr. H.P. Tummod, Additional Labor Commissioner Bhagwan Andhale, Principal Secretary Mrs. Kundan, Deputy Secretary Mrs. Roshni Kadam Patil, Sessions Judge and Legal Advisor Mr. Sunil Sharma, and Deputy Secretary Mrs. Roshini K. Patil, Deputy Secretary Swapnil Kapadnis and a dedicated team from the Ministry of Labour were present.
The main objective of the meeting was to:
Effectively incorporate the legitimate rights of film industry artists, technicians, and other workers into the rules being formulated in Maharashtra under the new labor code formulated by the central government. The provisions made for audio-visual workers in the new labor code were discussed in detail. These issues included timely payment, social security, fair wages and fixed working hours, and implementation of welfare schemes.
Poonam Dhillon and Padmini Kolhapure presented the ground-level problems faced by artists, technicians, and workers from various sectors of the film industry to the Minister. They explained that due to the unorganized structure, many artists are deprived of basic services such as timely payment, contract clarity, and social security. Minister Akash Fundkar clarified that the new labor code provides legal protection for audio-visual workers, ensuring social and economic security for artists and related personnel in the film industry. He also informed that suggestions and objections will be publicly invited before the final notification of the rules being drafted by the Maharashtra government is issued. The CINTAA President was directed to formally submit his suggestions and objections to the draft notification. The Minister assured that the suggestions received from CINTAA, along with the opinions of other representatives of the film industry—producers and technicians—will be seriously considered. At the end of the meeting, Poonam Dhillon requested that a detailed dialogue session be held soon between the Ministry of Labor team and CINTAA members to directly understand the issues facing artists and inform them about the provisions of the new labor code. This initiative will not only raise awareness but also empower artists to assert their rights. The film industry has long grappled with challenges such as informal working practices, uncertain pay, and a lack of social security. In this context, establishing legal protections and clear rules under the Labor Code could prove to be a historic step. This Ministry meeting is not merely an administrative exercise, but a new ray of hope for thousands of artists and technicians in the film industry—where their hard work will receive not only applause but also strong legal support. If these provisions are effectively implemented, it will truly be a “new beginning” for artists working in the Indian film industry, ensuring safety and respect along with creativity.