Hema Committee Row: Kerala Government Assures Major Reforms To Protect Women In Malayalam Cinema
Kerala government, under the leadership of Culture Minister Saji Cherian, has committed to a series of reforms!
The Kerala government is gearing up to introduce significant measures aimed at protecting women in the Malayalam film industry following the release of the Hema Committee report. This report has shed light on multiple instances of sexual harassment and abuse of power within the industry, with several high-profile figures being implicated.
Kerala Government On Hema Committee Row
In response, the Kerala government, under the leadership of Culture Minister Saji Cherian, has committed to a series of reforms designed to make the Malayalam film industry a safer environment for women. Speaking at the inauguration of the Sakhi Dormitory at Sri Theater in Thiruvananthapuram, Cherian outlined the government’s plans to enhance safety and security for female workers in the entertainment sector. The dormitory project, spearheaded by the Kerala State Film Development Corporation, aims to provide secure housing for women working in the Kairali, Sri, and Nila Theater complexes, reflecting the state’s intention to ensure women’s safety beyond just workplaces.
The government’s commitment goes beyond housing, with Cherian highlighting broader efforts to empower women in the film industry. Initiatives include financial backing for women-led films and specialized training programs encouraging women to explore technical roles behind the camera. These efforts are part of a wider strategy to create a more inclusive film industry in Kerala.
Furthermore, the government is working on upgrading film infrastructure across the state. Investments are being made to modernize Chitranjali Studio and build a new studio in Kochi. These developments are part of a broader plan to position Kerala as a global hub for film production, particularly for foreign-language films.
Amidst media speculation about the Kerala High Courts’s stance on the government’s handling of the Hema Committee findings, Cheria dismissed accusations of governmental criticism as political drama. He clarifies that the court’s inquiries were limited to procedural matters with no judgment passed on the government’s actions.
For the unversed, in the Hema Committee Report several key and important members of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), after which its long-time president Mohanlal resigned from his post. Moreover, the FIRs launched by the Kerala police consisted of 11 people out of which 10 belonged to the film industry only.
First Published: September 13, 2024 1:32 PM
