Unconditional support to victim and relentless fight against predators: CM responds on Hema Committee report

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that if any woman who testified before the Justice Hema Committee lodges a complaint, whoever has committed the crime, no matter how influential he is, will be brought before the law.

"There is no need to doubt about it. The report was not delayed by the government. The recommendations are being implemented. There has been no failure on the part of the government regarding the report. Regarding the exploitation in the film industry, unconditional support to the victim and relentless fight against the predators is the hallmark of the government.

The report was not published for four and a half years not because of government interest. Justice Hema herself had written to the government on February 19, 2020, requesting that the report should not be released as it contains references affecting the privacy of many people. It was also stated that those who gave the statement asked to keep it confidential.

The government has done everything it can. It will continue to do so. This is a government that has shown its determination. Not a single issue, including the incident of the actress being attacked, has gone without legal action. The Hema Committee has not recommended that any specific matter should be investigated. There may be villains as part of a movie script. However, there should be no presence of villains in the film industry. No one can harm anyone with unannounced bans. Organizations must take initiative to ensure decent wages."

Judicial tribunal in film industry

• Steps will be taken to form a judicial tribunal in the film industry
• Drafting of the Kerala Cine Employers and Employees (Regulation) Act has been postponed for detailed examination.
• A committee has been formed under the chairmanship of Shaji N Karun to draft the film policy. A conclave will be held to discuss the draft
• There are some limitations to introducing equal pay for men and women. Salaries of professionals vary from one person to another

Painful that women have been made to feel unsafe: Governor Arif Mohammad Khan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Governor Arif Mohammad Khan said that the government has the responsibility to take action on the recommendations of the Justice Hema Committee. "If the power group mentioned in the report includes a member of the cabinet, it should be investigated. I am not commenting on registering a case. However, it is painful that women have been made to feel unsafe. It is a shame that the Hema Committee report had to be discussed in public. All women should feel safe in public places and workplaces. The government and the public have a responsibility for that," the governor said.