Odisha government allows cinema halls to open in January

BHUBANESWAR: Cinema halls and theatres in Odisha are allowed to operate from January 1 with up to 50 per cent capacity after a gap of almost nine months as the state government on Wednesday issued fresh guidelines for January.
Jatras, open air theatres and entertainment parks are likely to be opened soon as the local authorities like district collectors and municipal commissioners are authorized to take a call subject to compliance of Covid-safety protocols, a decision welcomed by the jatra artists.
Though the Centre had allowed cinemas to operate from October with a one seat distance in order to maintain appropriate physical distance, the state government had not allowed them to open in Odisha.
“We welcome the state government’s decision to allow cinema halls and theatres to open. But if there will be no new releases in Bollywood, what should we do? Since cinemas are closed for last nine months, we had faced terrible financial loss. With a number of states have allowed cinemas to operate, we hope there will be new releases soon,” said Lingaraj Panda, manager of Maharaja Cinema in the city.
Large social, political, sports, entertainment, academic, cultural, religious functions and other congregations which were prohibited till December 31st, have now been allowed with a ceiling of 200 persons though the district administrations are empowered to lower it. While the cap on number of people allowed to attend weddings remain same at 200, limit on people allowed to attend a funeral has been doubled from 50 to 100 persons.
All Anganwadi centres to remain closed till January 31st while the arrangement for supply of ration to the beneficiaries will continue, said the guidelines. Swimming pools will also remain closed except for training purpose.
While Business to business (B2B) exhibitions were allowed in December in exhibitions halls with 50 per cent of the capacity of the hall with a ceiling of 100 persons, the state government has now also allowed business to consumers (B2C) exhibitions with 50 per cent capacity of the hall while maximum ceiling has been increased to 200 persons.
As far as opening of educational institutions are concerned, the state government has authorized the school and mass education department to take appropriate decision with regard to re-opening of schools from 9th to 12th standard in a graded manner in consultation with all stakeholders. Similarly, the higher education department and skill development and technical education department have been authorized to decide on re-opening of colleges and technical education institutions. Conduct of examinations, evaluation and other administrative activities, online and distance learning and all training activities are allowed.
Amid demand for opening of other important temples in various districts, the state government has authorized the local authorities to take a call with appropriate restrictions.
While lockdown will be enforced within the containment zone, the state government order said no authority should impose any local lockdown at district, sub-division or city level outside the containment zone.
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