In view of the Covid-19 pandemic, the State Government has imposed restrictions on gathering of people during weddings, public processions and other social gatherings.
Like the caterers, the livelihoods of the light and sound providers in the State have been severely affected.
The Light and Sound Owners’ Association, at a Press conference on Wednesday alleged that while pandemic continues to bring misery for the last one and a half years, the Government is apathetic to their cause.
“We have never been really allowed to resume operations in full-fledged manner despite relaxations to other sectors,” the organisation said while demanding the State Government to allow social events with festive season starting from September.
The members of the association claimed that over 1 lakh light and sound providers across the State have been hit due to the lockdown in the last 17 months.
They requested the Government to allow at least a procession of 100 people under strict adherence to Covid appropriate behaviour. The body also appealed the Government to allow procession during Ganesh Puja to be celebrated next month on September 10.
The association demanded that if the Government doesn’t allow public gathering, it should compensate the light and sound providers with Rs 10,000 every months.
“If our demands are not fulfilled soon, over 50,000 light and sound workers in the State would take to the streets,” association secretary Biswaranjan Samantaray said.