Refuting claims that the government had "sat on" the Justice K Hema Committee recommendations, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan explained that the report's contents were withheld at the committee's specific request to safeguard the privacy of the individuals involved.
The Chief Minister emphasised that the government would take action if any woman who had provided a statement to the committee came forward with a complaint. "The Justice Hema Committee has not recommended that cases should be registered or investigation should be carried out on the basis of statements in the report. Instead, it has demanded that the privacy of those who gave the statements should be protected," he said.
Pinarayi referenced several incidents related to the film industry, including the sexual assault of an actress in a moving car, where the police had acted promptly. "No matter how high and mighty the culprit is, he will be brought to book," he asserted. He further mentioned that the government had prioritised the Hema Committee report's recommendations, first addressing those that required urgent solutions. Subsequently, recommendations needing detailed examination were reviewed, including the question of whether the government had the authority to set guidelines for the film industry, he added.
"The setting up of an internal complaints committee, the prime demand of women in the film industry, was addressed. The government also acted on the recommendation that films in which women are the crew should be encouraged," the chief minister said, adding that budgetary support had been provided to achieve this objective.
The Chief Minister indicated that the government would "consider and act on" the Hema Committee's recommendation to establish a judicial tribunal for resolving disputes in cinema and television. He further indicated that the government would move forward with drafting the Kerala Cine Employers and Employees (Regulation) Act. However, a decision on the Kerala Cinema Regulatory Authority Bill would be taken only after a comprehensive review, as it entails considerable initial and ongoing expenses.
In reference to the committee's suggestion of developing a cinema policy, Pinarayi noted that a committee led by filmmaker Shaji N Karun had been appointed for this purpose. He added that a conclave, including all stakeholders in the film industry, would be organised to discuss the draft cinema policy.
The Chief Minister acknowledged the "limitations" in implementing the committee's recommendation to ensure equal pay for men and women in the film industry. "The pay of professionals will vary with each individual. There are practical issues in ensuring that a newcomer gets the same remuneration as a professional film star," he said. Pinarayi also noted that imposing unnecessary guidelines under the guise of restrictions would not benefit the cinema industry.
He also noted that law enforcement agencies were actively tackling the issues of liquor, drugs, and sexual offences highlighted in the report. However, he admitted that the government alone could not resolve matters such as installing e-toilets and providing safe changing rooms at shooting locations or ensuring the safety of women working in the film industry.
Pinarayi called on various film industry associations to address unhealthy practices and to ensure fair compensation for work performed. "The government does not support the perpetrators of economic, mental, or sexual exploitation in the film industry. Instead, it stands with the victims. Unconditional solidarity with the victim and uncompromising fight against the perpetrator is the government’s hallmark," he added.
The Hema Committee was appointed after the 2017 actor assault case to investigate issues of sexual harassment and gender inequality in Malayalam cinema.