Hyderabad: Serious concerns are being raised over alleged labour exploitation in Hyderabad’s television industry, with workers claiming that producers of TV serials are violating labour rights and subjecting employees to excessive working hours under stressful conditions.
According to workers, many employees in the television sector are forced to work up to 18 hours a day, often without adequate rest. The intense workload is reportedly taking a toll on their physical and mental health, with some workers allegedly requiring medical treatment due to stress-related illnesses.
Employees claim that work pressure continues even during major festivals and government-declared holidays, while weekly off-days are rarely granted. Labour representatives point out that under the Telangana Factories, Shops and Establishments regulations, the Labour Department had issued orders in December 2023 specifying paid holidays for workers during national festivals and other notified holidays in 2024.
However, workers allege that such provisions are often ignored within the television industry. From voice recording artists and video editors to coordinators and dubbing technicians, many employees reportedly begin work as early as 7:30 a.m. and continue until 10 p.m. or even midnight. Workers describe the conditions as extremely demanding, claiming that those who question the system risk losing their jobs.
Industry employees, many of whom come from poor and middle-class families, say they endure these conditions due to financial necessity. They allege that concerns regarding welfare, workplace safety, job security, timely salary payments, and healthcare support receive little attention despite legal protections available under labour laws.
Workers have also accused some television serial producers of delaying payments to artists and technicians for several months, causing financial hardship. Allegations have further surfaced that while extended breaks are often announced during festivals such as Sankranti, holidays for Telangana-specific occasions, including Bathukamma celebrations and Telangana Formation Day, are not adequately observed.
Some workers have also expressed concerns over what they describe as a lack of respect for Telangana culture, language, and regional identity within certain sections of the industry. They argue that all workers, regardless of their state of origin, deserve fair treatment, dignity, and protection under labour laws.
Employees are demanding strict enforcement of labour regulations and recognition of holidays such as Sankranti, Republic Day, Maha Shivaratri, Ugadi, Holi, Good Friday, Ramzan, Ambedkar Jayanti, Sri Rama Navami, May Day, Telangana Formation Day, Bakrid, Independence Day, Vinayaka Chavithi, Gandhi Jayanti, Dasara, Diwali, and Christmas.
Workers have appealed to the Labour Department and other government authorities to investigate the allegations, ensure compliance with labour laws, and take appropriate action to safeguard the welfare and rights of employees in the television industry.
