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"A Platform where all performing Artist's can come together to fight for rights, dignity,self respect, culture, get justice & fight against the system for our rights"

A LITTLE WORD ABOUT US

Maharashtra Orchestra Bar, Kalakar, Singer and Kamgar Federation

The Maharashtra Orchestra Bar, Kalakar, Singer and Kamgar Federation (MOBKSAKF) is a recently established non-profit organization, incorporated on March 20, 2025, in Mumbai, Maharashtra.it operates under the Govt.of India Approved Regd. No:- U88900MH2025NPL443304 The federation’s primary focus is on social work activities without accommodation, aiming to represent and advocate for the rights and welfare of workers in Maharashtra’s orchestra bar industry, including performers, musicians, singers, and support staff.

Protecting orchestra bar artists from harassment and exploitation requires coordinated efforts from governments, venue owners, civil society, and the broader community. Here are several actionable steps that can be taken:

1. Legal Protections and Enforcement
  • Labor Laws: Ensure that artists are recognized as workers with enforceable rights (minimum wage, working hours, contracts).
  • Anti-Harassment Laws:Enforce strict penalties for sexual harassment and abuse in entertainment venues.
  • Licensing Requirements: Mandate that bars and entertainment venues meet specific criteria (e.g., safety standards, HR policies) to retain their operating licenses.
2. Regulation of the Industry
  • Monitoring Mechanisms:Set up independent watchdogs or regulatory bodies to inspect venues and monitor compliance.
  • Mandatory Contracts:Require that all performers have written contracts outlining payment, roles, working conditions, and grievance redressal processes.
  • Whistleblower Protections:Encourage reporting by offering protection and anonymity to those who expose misconduct.
3. Support Systems for Artists
  • Unions and Associations:Promote unionization or support groups for artists to collectively bargain and report abuse.
  • Legal Aid and Counseling:Provide access to legal advice, mental health counseling, and support hotlines for performers.
  • Safe Work Environment:Train staff and management in trauma-informed practices and set up safe zones in venues.
4. Community and Public Awareness
  • Campaigns:Raise awareness about the rights of performance artists and the importance of respecting them.
  • Consumer Responsibility:Encourage patrons to support venues with ethical practices and avoid those known for exploitation.
  • Education Programs:Educate artists about their rights and available support networks.
5. International Cooperation (if migrant artists are involved)
  • Visa Protections:Ensure migrant artists are not dependent on a single employer for their legal status.
  • Bilateral Agreements:Governments can collaborate to protect citizens working abroad in entertainment sectors.
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Legal Protections for Orchestra Bar Artists

1. Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (PoSH Act)

This Act provides a robust framework to protect women from sexual harassment at the workplace. It mandates the establishment of Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) in organizations and outlines procedures for addressing complaints. The Act's definition of "workplace" is broad, encompassing unorganized sectors, which includes orchestra bars.

2. Maharashtra Prohibition of Obscene Dance in Hotels, Restaurants and Bar Rooms and Protection of Dignity of Women (Working Therein) Act, 2016

This state-specific legislation aims to regulate performances in bars and protect women from exploitation. However, its implementation has been controversial, with criticisms about potential misuse and infringement on performers' rights.

3. Performers' Rights Under Intellectual Property Law

The Performers' Protection Act, 1957, grants performers rights over their performances, including the authority to prevent unauthorized recordings and reproductions. This empowers artists to control the use of their work and seek remedies against infringements.

Job Daily Wages and Working Hours

  • Extremely Low Daily Pay: Many orchestra bar artists earn less than minimum wage.
  • No Standardized Pay Structure: Wages are inconsistent and unregulated—often based on verbal agreements without contracts.
  • No Overtime Pay: Even if shows run longer than scheduled, there is rarely any overtime compensation.
  • No Job Security: Most artists are hired casually with no permanent job status or income stability.
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Social stigma and marginalization

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  • Loss of Social Respect and Dignity: Artists are often labeled as immoral or disreputable, leading to social exclusion.
  • Isolation from Family and Community: Many performers face rejection or distancing by their own families and local communities.
  • Limited Access to Basic Rights and Services: Marginalization leads to exclusion from healthcare, education, and legal protection.
  • Vulnerability to Exploitation and Abuse: Social stigma enables employers and others to exploit artists without repercussions.
  • Economic Instability: Stigma reduces alternative employment opportunities, trapping artists in precarious jobs.
  • Mental Health Issues: Constant discrimination causes anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
  • Lack of Legal Recognition: Artists often lack formal contracts or labor rights, making it hard to seek justice.
  • Hindrance to Career Progression: Social stigma blocks opportunities for growth, training, or transitioning to other fields.

Cultural Art Preservation

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Providing Health Insurance (E.C.S) For Artist's

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As your dedicated Artist Union, we are proud to offer a comprehensive Employee Compensation Scheme (E.C.S) to support the health and well-being of our creative community. Here's what we are providing to all registered artists:

  • Full Health Coverage: We provide complete medical insurance including hospitalization, outpatient services, diagnostic tests, and prescribed medicines.
  • mergency & Accident Coverage: Immediate access to emergency medical services and accident care—because your safety is our priority.
  • Affordable, Income-Based Premiums: We’ve negotiated low, flexible premiums based on your income, making healthcare affordable for all artists.
  • Income Protection During Illness: In case of injury or illness, we offer compensation and financial support to help you recover without financial stress.

Providing Life Insurance & Pension Plans For Artist's

Life Insurance Benefits
  • Comprehensive Life Coverage: We provide life insurance that ensures your family is financially protected in the event of unforeseen loss.
  • Lump Sum Payouts: Guaranteed financial support for your nominated beneficiaries to cover living expenses, debts, or future needs.
  • Accidental Death & Disability Cover: Additional protection in case of accidental death or permanent disability, ensuring extra security.
  • Family Support & Survivor Benefits: Financial assistance and counseling for families of insured artists to help them through difficult times.
  • Simple Enrollment Process: No employer or corporate sponsor required—freelancers and independent artists are welcome.
Pension Plan Benefits
  • Artist-Focused Retirement Planning: A structured savings and pension scheme built to support the unique career paths and income patterns of artists.
  • Monthly Pension After Retirement: Regular income post-retirement to help you live with dignity and independence.
  • Flexible Contribution Options: Contribute according to your income level—with union and government support/subsidies where applicable.
  • Available to All Artists: Whether you're a painter, musician, writer, dancer, or filmmaker, you are eligible to join.
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Developing Housing Colonies, Societies for Artist's

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To empower artists with safe, affordable, and creative living spaces, our union is proud to announce the development of dedicated housing colonies and cooperative societies exclusively for artists.

Key Features of Our Artist Housing Projects
  • Affordable Housing: Subsidized rates tailored to the income levels of freelance and independent artists.
  • Art-Friendly Design: Studios, rehearsal rooms, workshops, galleries, and open creative spaces built into the community layout.
  • Exclusive for Artists: Priority allotment for painters, performers, musicians, writers, filmmakers, and all other practicing artists.
  • Integrated Facilities: Health clinics, community halls, day-care centers, and educational services within the colony.
  • Union-Managed Cooperative Societies: Transparent management by artist-elected bodies ensuring fairness, upkeep, and a strong community voice.
  • Easy Application Process: Simple registration for union members—no corporate employment history required.

Providing banking, loan's etc for Welfare of Artist's

Recognizing the unique financial challenges faced by artists, our union is proud to offer dedicated banking, loan, and credit support tailored for the artistic community. These services are designed to empower artists with financial independence, stability, and growth opportunities.

Core Banking Services for Artists
  • Artist-Friendly Bank Accounts: Zero/minimum balance accounts with easy access to digital banking, debit cards, and savings tools.
  • Financial Literacy & Guidance: Free workshops, webinars, and one-on-one support to help artists manage their finances and plan their future.
  • Specialized Banking Tie-ups: Collaborations with national and cooperative banks to create tailored products for artists.
Loan Facilities for Artists
  • Personal Loans for Artists: Quick, low-interest loans to support personal needs, studio setup, or medical emergencies—without rigid income proof.
  • Creative Project Funding: Loans or micro-credit for exhibitions, recordings, productions, or publishing your work.
  • Home & Studio Loans: Access to affordable housing loans for building or purchasing homes and live-work spaces.
  • Equipment Loans: Financial support for buying instruments, cameras, editing gear, software, or other creative tools.
  • Education & Skill Development Loans: Support for professional training, short-term courses, or workshops to grow your skills.
Additional Financial Services
  • Artist Credit Cards: Special credit card schemes with flexible repayment terms and benefits for art-related purchases.
  • Insurance-Linked Loans: Protection plans attached to loans to secure your family in case of emergencies.
  • Easy Repayment Options: Flexible EMIs and grace periods aligned with the irregular income patterns of freelance artists.
  • Union Guarantee Scheme: The Artist Union provides guarantee letters or acts as a co-signer for artists without collateral or credit history.

Help to get their children admission in good schools and college for better career

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School & College Admission Assistance
  • Admission Support in Reputed Institutions: We assist artists in securing admission for their children in top-rated schools and colleges across the country.
  • Priority Access & Reserved Seats: Collaborations with educational institutions to reserve seats for children of registered artists under special quotas.
  • Career Counseling & Academic Guidance: Regular counseling sessions for students to choose the right academic paths and career options.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
  • Scholarships for Meritorious Students: We offer need-based and merit-based scholarships to ease the financial burden of education.
  • Fee Waivers & Discounts: Negotiated tuition fee discounts through our partnered institutions and funding bodies.
  • Educational Loans Assistance: Help in securing low-interest or interest-free education loans for higher studies.
Support Beyond Admissions
  • After-School Tutoring & Coaching: Free or subsidized tuition support for school-going children, especially in key subjects and exam preparation.
  • Skill & Talent Development Programs: Access to art, music, dance, science, and technology workshops to nurture creative and academic skills.
  • Digital Learning Support: Laptops, tablets, internet access, and online learning tools provided for deserving families.

Providing training for Musician's, Singer's and Artist's & Opening a good Academy

Establishment of the Artist Union Academy
  • State-of-the-Art Academy Campus: A professionally designed campus with modern classrooms, studios, rehearsal halls, and performance spaces.
  • Specialized Departments:
    • Vocal Training (Classical, Contemporary, Folk, etc.)
    • Instrumental Music
    • Performing Arts
    • Visual Arts & Fine Arts
    • Film, Audio & Production Arts
  • Trained Faculty & Industry Mentors: Learn from accomplished musicians, professional artists, and industry experts.
Training & Development Programs
  • Foundation to Advanced Level Courses: From beginner programs to professional certifications and diplomas.
  • Regular Workshops & Masterclasses: Interactive learning with visiting national and international artists.
  • Career-Focused Training: Curriculum tailored to real-world careers in music, performance, fine arts, and digital media.
  • Hybrid Learning Options: In-person and online programs to support artists across regions.
Supportive Learning Environment
  • Scholarships for Talented & Needy Artists: Financial aid for deserving students to pursue their artistic dreams.
  • Performance Opportunities: Events, concerts, exhibitions, and competitions hosted regularly to build stage experience.
  • Placement & Industry Linkage: Connections with event organizers, studios, galleries, record labels, and film houses for career placement.
  • Community & Networking: A strong artist community fostering collaboration, mentorship, and lifelong learning.