J&K’s film and television professionals highlight ‘decline’ of DD Srinagar root cause of crisis facing local artists

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, AUGUST 13 (STC): Professionals from Jammu and Kashmir’s Film and Television industry have expressed concern over what they said alarming ‘decline’ of Doordarshan (DD) Srinagar and DD Kashir, which for decades served as an important platform for local (Kashmiri) artists and a major source of livelihood for the creative community.
At a meeting held here today, the fraternity observed that with the discontinuation of commissioning and in-house productions, a large number of artists and technical professionals have been deprived of regular work, leaving their skills and contributions largely unutilised, reads their statement.
Participants also voiced concern over the perceived lack of adequate attention from authorities at both the Union Territory and national levels. They pointed out that local professionals had contributed to the production of quality programmes for DD Kashir and DD Srinagar for decades, but were now facing uncertainty about their future.
Another major issue discussed during the meeting was the recent notification proposing a bidding process for outsourcing programmes, including travelogues, documentaries, fiction, musicals and other formats, the statement said.

The fraternity has unanimously opposed the proposed bidding mechanism for programme production, arguing that competitive bidding is incompatible with the creative and professional requirements of broadcasting. The participants maintained that programme creation should be based on professional competence, artistic merit and established broadcasting norms rather than being treated solely as a conventional tendering exercise.
They resolved to raise these concerns with the concerned authorities and seek immediate intervention to protect the interests of local artists, technicians and other professionals associated with the industry.
They stressed that restoring commissioning and production opportunities at DD Srinagar and DD Kashir would not only provide livelihood opportunities to hundreds of professionals but also help preserve and promote the cultural identity, stories and creative talent of Jammu and Kashmir.
They underlined the urgent need for meaningful intervention to revive the region’s creative ecosystem and ensure dignity, opportunity and continuity for its Film and Television fraternity.
Notably, the meeting brought together a wide spectrum of professionals, including actors, singers, writers, producers, directors, technicians and equipment owners. Among the prominent participants were Mushtaaque Ali Ahmad Khan, Dr. Ayash Arif, Mushtaq Bala and Shahzad Rasool.
(Straight Talk Communications)