Assam: Cinema halls likely to reopen from August 1, I&B ministry recommends MHA

The cinema halls in Assam along with rest parts of the country may resume its functions from August 1^st, 2020. The Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Secretary Amit Khare has written to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to consider reopening of cinema halls all over the country from August 1^st, 2020. I&B Secretary Amit Khare indicated this at a closed-door industry interaction with the CII Media Committee on July 24^th, 2020. He said his opposite number in the Home Ministry, Ajay Bhalla, will take the final call.

It may be mentioned that the cinema halls in Assam along with rest parts of the country have remained closed since the first phase of the nation-wide lockdown was enforced to prevent the spread of the COVID-19.

Amit Khare, the Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Secretary indicated this at a close-door industry interaction with the CII Media Committee on Friday. He said the Home Ministry Secretary Ajay Bhalla, will take the final call on this matter.

Also read: Assam Govt Reduces Home Quarantine Period To 7 Days

Khare has indicated that he has recommended for reopening of cinema halls in the month of August. He said that theatres may be allowed to reopen all over India as early as August 1 or at the latest, around August 31.

The suggested sitting arrangement formula for the theatres is that the alternate seats in the first row and then the next row be kept vacant and proceeding in this fashion throughout.

Khare said that his ministry’s recommendation takes into consideration the two metre social distancing norm, but tweaks it gently to two yards instead. The Home Ministry, however, still has to revert on the recommendation.

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