Anti-sexual harassment panel to meet on April 26
Following the PIL filed by women's organizations last year in the wake of actor Sri Reddy's allegations of sexual harassment in Tollywood, the Telangana government has constituted a high-levelcommittee to inquire into the issue.
Actress Lavanya Tripathi expressed happiness over the positive development. "I am proud of the brave women who have come out with their own stories.
I hope that this committee helps to inculcate confidence and make the lives of not merely actresses but of every woman working on the sets easier.
The #metoo movement has created strides in how women are treated and I hope that this committee enriches the lives of the women in the Telugu industry"
Tollywood director-cum-producer Tammareddy Bharadwaj and Professor Vasanthi revealed that the committee is yet convene and come up with a set action plan against sexual harassment. Tammareddy adds, "The names have just been announced. It's too early to say much."
"It is admirable that the government has taken this constructive step. And unlike what many think, this is not an action committee, but an advisory panel that will come up with suggestions and guidelines that can be adopted to deal with sexual harassment.
I am quite happy with the way the committee has been constituted with members from all the departments, and I looking forward to working with them," shares actor Jhansi.
Meanwhile, actress Sri Reddy claimed credit for the government panel and says, "Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao has made me a heroine of the world by setting up a committee to address sexual harassment cases in response to my fight against sexual exploitation of actresses in Tollywood.
I will always remain grateful to KCR for his concern towards women in the film industry."
The committee will be convening the first meeting on April 26. And as per the GO the panel members will look into the cases and issues and come up with recommendations for the government to take action to protect women artistes in film and TV industry.