Shashi Tharoor slams Kerala government over delay in release of Hema Committee Report

New Delhi: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has strongly criticised the Kerala government for its handling of the Hema Committee report, which addresses issues within the Malayalam film industry. Tharoor condemned the government's decision to withhold the report for five years and only release it now under pressure.

In a detailed response, Tharoor said, “It’s utterly shameful and shocking that the government sat on the report for five years, and now under duress they have to release it, and they are simply not willing to face the consequences. It is absolutely indispensable that action should be taken. The (Kerala) state government frankly ought to be ashamed of itself.”

He pointed out the Malayalam film industry’s esteemed reputation, both nationally and internationally, known for its prominent directors and artists. Tharoor condemned the revelation of an unsafe environment for women within this respected industry as "unforgivable." He emphasised that such issues do not align with Kerala’s values, stating, “To see such an industry tarnished in this way… having created an unsafe environment for women is unforgivable. This is not what Kerala is supposed to be all about.”

The much-awaited Justice Hema Committee report on harassment faced by women in Malayalam cinema industry has recorded explosive accounts of harassment, exploitation and ill-treatment of the female professionals, and has alleged that a "criminal gang" was controlling the industry where unyielding women are squeezed out. The report released on Monday sheds light on the widespread and persistent sexual harassment faced by women in the Malayalam cinema industry, with many alleging they were subjected to unwanted advances even before commencing work.

The report highlighted the widespread nature of the issue, sparking concerns about the safety and well-being of women in the industry.