Kannada Film Chamber Opposes PoSH Committee Despite Calls for Change
BENGALURU: The Kannada Film Chamber of Commerce, Bengaluru is not in favour of constituting Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) Committee and the doors of Film Chamber is open for hearing any complaints round the clock, said Film Chamber president N.M. Suresh after a meeting.
A couple of days back, Dr Nagalakshmi, Chairman of Women’s Commission held a meeting with the members of Kannada Film Chamber of Commerce in Bengaluru and suggested to the Chamber to constitute a PoSH Committee, providing basic amenities for women among others.
At a press conference here on Saturday, Suresh took exception to members of Film Industry for Rights and Equality (FIRE) asking Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to constitute a Committee headed by a retired Judge of High Court or Supreme Court to study and report on issues faced by women including sexual harassment in Kannada film field.
Suresh said the Film Chambers is the supreme body in Kannada film field and the Chamber will look into any complaints, if any. He said to reply to 18-points posed by the Chairman of Karnataka Women’s Commission. The reply to the Women’s Commission will be given after consultation in the executive committee meeting of the Film Chamber of Commerce.
Producer Teshi Venkatesh opposed the PoSH Committee citing that it will lead to suspicion that something nefarious activities have been going on in the film field. Besides, if a complaint is lodged, then none of the producers will come forward to invest in Kannada films.
"It is the interest of Kannada film industry," he felt.
Venkatesh exuded confidence in the Film Chamber to look into any complaints and resolve it through proper channels.