Just last week, news surfaced that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids on music labels T-Series, Saregama, Universal Music Group, Sony Music and Yash Raj Films, as part of a probe into alleged non-payment of royalties to artistes. The music companies tried to play down the raids by tagging them as surveys. But, Sanjay Tandon, managing director, Indian Singers Rights Association (ISRA), is content with the move.
"Singers can no longer be taken for granted," he said, adding, "They have been deprived of the royalties, and exploited, for years. If they don't sign on the dotted line [agreeing to their terms], the music companies boycott them. It's sad that instead of promoting talent, they exploit the artistes."
He further added, "ISRA has been fighting for singers' royalties since May 2013, but to no avail. Though the industry should help promote the artistes, this job is now being done by the ED, which gives hope to singers."
(Also read: Enforcement Directorate(ED) raids T-Series office and other leading music companies)Stay tuned for more updates.
Credits: mid-day
