Rail concession for those 'behind the screens'

The backroom boys of cinema will now have a cheaper mode of transport in Railways while on work as the government today proposed concessions for technicians working in the film industry.

Acknowledging the "enormous" contribution of Indian film industry to the promotion of art and culture, Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee announced the concessions in Rail Budget for the year 2010-11.

"There are people behind the screen whose contribution is not well known to many of us. I propose that technicians of regional film industry when travelling for film production related work be eligible for 75 per cent concession in second sleeper. 50 per cent concession in first class, AC Chair Car, AC 3-tier, AC 2-tier in all trains including Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Jan Shatabdis," Banerjee said.

She also said that the concessions under 'Izzat Scheme' for press correspondents and students of madrassas, high madrassas and senior madrassas will continue.