Karnataka Film Chamber Opposes Panel Like Hema Commission

BENGALURU: Following opposition to a commission similar to Kerala’s Justice Hema Committee for the Kannada film industry and a strike by some members of the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), Karnataka State Women’s Commission chairperson Nagalakshmi Chowdhary has directed the House to come up with a detailed action plan within 15 days for setting up a commission specifically to address sexual harassment.

The committee also asked KFCC to adhere to the 17-point agenda, including providing basic amenities at the workplace for women film artists. The meeting witnessed heated discussions for and against setting up the committee and ended in disagreement when a few members walked out as tensions mounted.

During the meeting, convened by KFCC on the instructions of the Women’s Commission, the chamber was asked to propose a plan for setting up a Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) committee or explain why it could not be set up. It was also noted that the state film chamber does not have an ‘internal complaints committee’ (ICC).

Dr. Nagalakshmi indicated that a survey will be conducted to determine whether women in the film industry have faced harassment at the workplace, with all responses kept confidential. The findings will be used to frame a policy or law aimed at ensuring the safety of women in the Kannada film industry.

Well-known figures from the film industry were present at the meeting, including KFCC chairman NM Suresh; producer and former KFCC chairman Sa Ra Govindu; producer Rockline Venkatesh; actress Bhavana Ramanna; filmmaker Kavitha Lankesh; and actors Sanjjana Galrani, Neetu and Chetan Ahimsa.

Kavitha Lankesh, president of Film Industry for Rights & Equality (FIRE), described the development as a modest but significant step towards justice for women in the industry. “Today, it felt like we fought for even this small victory,” she said.