Saji Cheriyan announces 'conclave' to discuss film industry issues, says govt has nothing to hide

Thiruvananthapuram: The State Cultural Affairs Minister, Saji Cheriyan, announced that the government has taken note of the findings and recommendations presented by the Justice Hema Committee. The government is planning to convene a cinema conclave within the next two months to discuss and resolve the pressing issues within the film industry.

Speaking to Mathrubhumi News, Cheriyan stated that since becoming a minister, he has not received any complaints from the film industry and emphasized that the government has nothing to hide. He also asserted that anyone with any form of complaint can approach the state, affirming thart the government stands with the victims.

He explained, "There was a need for some organizations to study the problems in the film-serial sector and take remedial measures. As part of this, the committee was formed as per the Chief Minister's instructions. Justice Hema recommended that the committee's report be kept confidential and that the government should take the initiative to implement the report's conclusions and suggestions."

"As a minister, I have not read the entire report. When the report was presented to the government, it was sealed and sent to the Information Department, and a decision was taken not to release it. We received only the recommendations and conclusions from the Information Department, not the full report," he added.

He continued, "Basic facilities are needed, including accommodation and toilets, as mentioned in the report. There have been multiple discussions on these issues. Claims that a member of the WCC said everyone left a meeting called by the minister after an hour are incorrect. If there are industry-specific problems, they should be addressed within the industry itself. The government should not be blamed for these issues."

Cheriyan also noted that all issues were discussed, and a final draft was prepared. A committee headed by the KSFDC chairman will now convene in two months to provide clear solutions and discuss the suggestions with everyone in the field.

The Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), an organisation representing women professionals in the industry, expressed their satisfaction with the release of the report. They extended their gratitude to the panel members, media, women’s organisations, and lawyers for their efforts.

The Justice Hema Committee report, which was made public on Monday, is based on statements from both men and women within the Malayalam cinema industry, revealing that sexual harassment is "shockingly rampant in the film industry, and it remains unchecked and uncontrolled."