Kolkata: The Womens’ Forum for Screen Workers+ has written a letter to chief minister Mamata Banerjee asking for the formation of an independent committee to investigate workplace harassment and gender-based violence in the screen entertainment industry of Bengal.
TOI had reported that the Bengal govt is likely to set up a committee on the lines of Kerala’s Hema Committee — to probe the deeply entrenched issue of sexual abuse in the Bengali film industry.The CM was learnt to have been “responsive” to actress Ritabhari Chakraborty's suggestion to set up such a committee. Chakraborty, who had approached the CM late last month to set up the committee, met her on Sept 10.
Daminee Benny Basu, a member of the forum, said while Chakraborty was a signatory to their charter of demands, she did not represent WSFW+ at her meeting with the CM. “She had approached the CM in her individual capacity.”
Filmmaker Indranil Roychowdhury said the Directors Association of Eastern India (DAEI) has welcomed this move. “We too are formulating a proposal that outlines a code of conduct in the industry. That will ensure the safety and security of women, children and queer community working here,” he said.