Govt to form panel on sexual harassment in Kannada film industry: Film body

Bengaluru, Sep 4 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Film Industry Rights and Equality (FIRE) on Wednesday asked the Karnataka government to set up a commission, headed by a retired judge, to investigate and report on sexual harassment in the Kannada film industry.

“The appointment of a retired commission headed by a judge to conduct a thorough investigation into the systemic issues faced by women in the Kannada film industry, including sexual harassment, is necessary,” FIRE said in a statement.

The group has called on the government to develop and recommend policies to ensure a healthy and fair working environment for all women in the sector.

The FIRE pledge, signed by 153 actresses, directors, male actors and film executives from the Kannada film industry, is headed by noted film director Kavitha Lankesh and lead actor and activist Chetan Ahimsa as its secretary.

“Following the Justice Hema Commission report, which highlights the systemic issues faced by women, including sexual harassment in the Malayalam film industry, FIRE urges the Karnataka government to take immediate action to address similar concerns within the Kannada film industry,” said Kavitha Lankesh.

He added that while FIRE was instrumental in setting up India’s first internal complaints committee for the Kannada film industry and has been working for victims of sexual harassment from 2017 till now, the group recognises that more comprehensive measures are needed to create a safe and fair working environment for all women in the industry.

He said the commission should complete its investigation and submit its report within three months.

“We want the findings of the report to be made public as soon as possible,” he said.

Chetan Ahimsa, the popular actor and activist, said that exploitation of women occurs in all sectors but it is horrendous in the film industry.

“This is because there will be no office and CCTVs. Usually there will be one or two women working among 50 to 100 men,” he said.

He said that in many places there are no toilets or changing facilities for the female artists.

Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) President NM Suresh welcomed the development. “Any step that provides protection to women actors is welcome,” he said.

Source: IANS

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