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Can’t force film & TV producers to hire people from trade unions: CCI
NEW DELHI: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has struck down relevant sections in the agreements that various workers’ associations have with producers to only engage their members for projects. It called such a demand as anti-competitive and a violation of the Competition Act 2002.
This allows producers to freely hire workers, technicians, dancers, junior artists, from within or outside associations.
CCI chairperson Devendra Kumar Sikri and members S L Bunker, U C Nahta and Justice G P Mittal said: “The associations have used their position to disrupt competition and fair-play in the market through their anti-competitive conduct. Through the provisions of clause 6 and 18 of the MOU, the opposite parties (OPs) have indulged in anti-competitive conduct such as issuing non-cooperative directives, prohibiting hiring of specialised non-member, artists, conducting vigilance checks, stalling shoots for hiring non-members and levying of penalty. All this amounts to limiting and controlling the services in the western Indian film and television industry. Even after the expiry of the said MOU on 28 February 2015, the OPs have continued to enforce the anti-competitive clauses.”
The CCI has ordered the associations, which are the opposing parties, to cease and desist from continuing any unlawful practice such as visiting producer sets for vigilance. During inquiry by the director general of CCI, it was found that the shooting of various films and television serials had been stalled or delayed because of the ruckus created by the associations.
This long-awaited order arose from a complaint filed by film producer Vipul A Shah in 2014 against Federation of Western India Cine Employees and 24 other associations representing different categories of workers such as musicians, singers, cinematographers, lyricists, etc. He was supported by several film bodies such as the Film and Television Producers Guild of India, the Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association, and Indian Film and TV Producers Council, Eastern India Motion Pictures Association, South India Film Chamber of Commerce, and Northern India Motion Pictures Association.
Shah is an independent film producer and director. As a director, he has directed various films like Aankhen (2002), Waqt (2005), Namastey London (2007) and London Dreams (2009), and as a film producer, he has produced several films like Singh is King (2008), Force (2011), Commando (2013) and Holiday (2014).
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
