In a significant development for the Bengali film industry, Tollygunge BJP MLA Papiya Adhikary introduced the Eastern India Motion Pictures & Cultural Confederation (EIMPCC) on Wednesday, positioning herself as its president. The announcement, made in the presence of major Tollywood stakeholders and actors, aims to address long-standing grievances against the Federation of Cine Technicians of Eastern India (FCTWEI).
Key Initiatives of the New Confederation
The EIMPCC will implement a 12-hour maximum shift for technicians, a move intended to resolve complaints of monopoly and high-handedness attributed to the FCTWEI. Adhikary revealed that the confederation was formed "long ago" but faced resistance when attempting to become active. She stated, "Agnimitra (Paul) was the president before I took charge, but we faced severe resistance whenever we tried to recruit members. Because the organization is centrally registered, they claimed it was an invalid body."
Allegations Against the Federation
Adhikary detailed numerous allegations against the FCTWEI, including financial exploitation of producers and technicians. She claimed that individuals had to pay a 2.5% to 7% kickback to secure work, and the Federation was used as a vote bank. "They even maintained a 'gunda bahini' (gang of thugs) that wreaked havoc on the lives of anyone who dared to protest," she added.
Industry Reactions
Many industry stakeholders welcomed the move, expressing optimism about improved work culture and increased investment. Producer Himanshu Dhanuka, whose London film shoots were stalled twice due to Federation issues, said, "I hope we will no longer suffer the way we have over the past decade." However, some questioned the legitimacy of dissolving the Federation in this manner. Director Sanghamitra Chaudhuri noted that EIMPCC was registered in 2018-2019 but asked, "Is it possible to announce the abolition of guilds this way?"
Legal and Structural Changes
Director Indranil Roy Chowdhury, a litigant against the Federation, emphasized the need for reform rather than dissolution. "I see no reason to stop a trade union like FCTWEI. It has some legitimate functions. Unfortunately, the organization was run in an abusive manner harming the technicians. I would rather look at reforming the federation in the right direction," he said.
Adhikary defended the dissolution, identifying five key "sinners": Hassan, Babai, Sujit Hazra, Swapan Majumdar, and Bapi Malakar. She announced that the 26 guilds under the Federation would be replaced by four streamlined guilds for directors, cinematographers, production controllers, and art and costume departments. Each department will be managed by two coordinators available at the Technicians' Studio thrice a week to register names and credentials. Additionally, an SIR (Screening or Selection) system will be introduced to expose those who bought their way into jobs.
Future Plans
Adhikary assured that all deserving technicians would get work and that EIMPCC would take responsibility for the healthcare needs of members and their families. She concluded, "The Federation has committed a sin. We have asked them to stay away."
