Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has strongly criticized the Kerala government for its prolonged delay in taking action on the Hema Committee report, which addresses the serious issue of harassment and exploitation within the Malayalam film industry. Tharoor labeled the nearly five-year delay as “utterly shameful” and “shocking.”
“It is disgraceful that the government sat on this report for so long and only released it under pressure. They seem unwilling to face the consequences,” Tharoor remarked. He emphasized the significance of the Malayalam film industry, both nationally and globally, and condemned the unsafe working environment for women, perpetuated by intimidation and blackmail.
Tharoor stressed that it takes immense courage for women to come forward with complaints, risking their reputations and careers, yet they do so because they believe in the importance of exposing these issues. He called for the full airing and implementation of the report, regardless of the influential individuals who might be affected.
V Muraleedharan, former Minister of State, echoed Tharoor’s sentiments, describing the situation as “serious” and demanding the resignation of state Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cherian. Muraleedharan accused Cherian and former minister AK Balan of failing to take necessary actions against those accused of sexual harassment, including charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act.
The Hema Committee’s findings, released on August 19, 2024, have shocked the public. The 235-page report, based on testimonies from 51 industry professionals, uncovers widespread exploitation, including the existence of the “casting couch” and poor working conditions. The report notes that harassment begins early in women’s careers, with demands for “adjustments” and “compromises” as euphemisms for sexual favors.
Additionally, the report highlights the denial of basic human rights for women on film sets, including access to toilets and changing rooms, with many having to resort to secluded spots without adequate facilities.
The Hema Committee was formed in 2017 following a high-profile sexual assault case involving an actor, and it submitted its findings to the Chief Minister on December 31, 2019. Despite its damning revelations, the report was only made public recently, raising concerns about the government’s commitment to protecting women in the Malayalam film industry.
