Photographers Stage Protest, Observe State-wide Bandh

Photographers Stage Protest, Observe State-wide Bandh

Mangaluru: The Karnataka Photographers Association (KPA) Mangaluru Zone, staged a protest in front of the DC office here on July 2.

The members of the KPA observed a bandh on July 2. All the members of the association gathered in front of the Town Hall. Later, a protest march was held from Town Hall which culminated in front of the DC office.

Addressing the protesters, president of Mangaluru Zone Photographers Association Jagannath Shetty said that in the state, there are more than 3 lakh photographers who do not have social security and other facilities. “Photographers and videographers face severe problems which they themselves need to solve,” said Shetty.

He further said that photographers and videographers have been neglected by the government. “The government should include the names of the photographers and videographers based on the ability and avail their services for all the Taluk level government programmes. The charges for the service should be fixed after discussing with the respective taluk level association. Professional photographers should be appointed on a permanent or temporary basis for government offices. Henceforth, all the departments should appoint professional photographers. Passport size photographs should be made mandatory wherever required. Only professional photographers should be appointed when the need arises.”

The association also demands that professional photographers be given the opportunity to operate webcams used for clicking photos. “If any government official is found clicking photographs for additional income, he/she should be terminated. During elections, order for photography and videography should be given directly to professional photographers in their respective taluks. Photographers who work for films should get life insurance, health insurance, ESI facilities, BPL card and pension from the government. The government should establish a welfare fund to extend financial support for photographers in the time of need. A lifetime achievement award for photographers should be given through a media academy,” the memorandum stated.

The association also demanded that the Revenue Department should support photographers by announcing their profession as a tax-free business. In every district, a “Chaya Bhavan” should be constructed and the government should provide land and funds for the same. The government should also provide housing facilities to photographers and videographers. The award selection committees for Lalitha Kala Academy award, Madhyama Academy award, state award committee, Kempegowda award committee and other district award committees should include photographers and eligible persons should be selected based on their achievements.

Later, a memorandum was submitted to the Deputy Commissioner by the protesters.