Actor Parvathy slams Kerala government's inaction on Hema Committee's findings
Actor Parvathy Thiruvothu has criticised the Kerala government for its prolonged inaction on the recommendations of the Hema Committee report, which was submitted over five years ago to address systemic issues in the Malayalam film industry.In an Instagram story, Parvathy directly questioned Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on the status of the committee's suggestions. 'Now can we focus on the ACTUAL reason this committee was formed? Putting policies in place to help make regulations in the industry?' she wrote.advertisementIn a pointed remark on the delay, she added, 'No need to rush as it's ONLY been 5 and a half years since the report was submitted.'
Parvathy's comments come amid local news reports suggesting that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing cases linked to the Hema Committee is preparing to close them. However, the SIT has not officially confirmed this and is yet to submit its report to the court.The SIT had earlier informed the court that some individuals who recorded statements before the Hema panel were now reluctant to proceed with complaints. The court responded that there was no need to compel anyone to continue and said they must reply to notices from the SIT if they choose not to give further statements.Film editor and Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) member Bina Paul echoed concerns over the government's inaction and reiterated that the Hema report addresses more than just individual complaints.advertisement'I think it should be understood that the Hema committee report is not just about sexual harassment and if some of the people have decided to not move forward with the cases, it's understandable, but there are many who are moving ahead with it,' Paul said.She added, 'The report has brought up many issues that remained unaddressed in the industry. I think we would like to see those recommendations being implemented.'Referring to the state government's efforts to draft a film policy, Paul acknowledged the process has stalled. 'It's definitely a slow process. There were many consultations, they met many people and we were also consulted. We are definitely disappointed that it is taking a lot of time but we do think that it will happen. Unfortunately, the person who headed it passed away, so there is a delay.'Despite the setbacks, Paul noted some cultural progress. 'Definitely there are changes. Five years ago, nobody was talking about women. Now at every level of the industry, there is genuine interest at least to talk about it. It was an invisible issue till now. She has made recommendations and they are trying to implement as much as possible as far as I can see.'advertisementParvathy, meanwhile, declined to comment further. 'I don't want to speak further on it for now,' she said.
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