The South Indian Artistes’ Association (SIAA), popularly known as Nadigar Sangam, has taken a decisive step to combat sexual harassment and related offenses in the Tamil film industry. In a recent meeting, the association’s Gender Sensitisation and Internal Complaints Committee (GSICC) passed several important resolutions aimed at fostering a safer working environment for all members of the industry.
One of the most significant measures proposed by the committee is a five-year ban on individuals found guilty of sexual offenses in the Tamil film industry. This ban will be enforced only after a thorough investigation confirms the validity of the complaints lodged against the accused. The committee’s recommendation will be forwarded to the Producers Association for implementation, marking a strong stance against sexual misconduct.
Also Read: GOAT star Thalapathy Vijay's last film will be Thalapathy 69
To support victims and encourage more individuals to come forward, the GSICC has also decided to provide necessary legal assistance to those who file complaints. This initiative aims to reduce the fear of retaliation and promote a culture of accountability, ensuring that victims feel safe and supported throughout the complaint process.
Additionally, the resolutions include a provision for issuing an initial warning to alleged perpetrators upon receiving a complaint. If further investigations substantiate the complaint, appropriate actions, including the proposed ban, will be taken. This step is intended to give a fair chance for the accused to respond while ensuring that swift action can be taken in confirmed cases of misconduct.
To enhance the process of reporting sexual harassment, the Nadigar Sangam has established more accessible avenues for lodging complaints. This includes the creation of a dedicated email ID and phone line specifically for this purpose. These measures are designed to provide victims with a straightforward, confidential way to report offenses, ensuring that their grievances are heard and addressed promptly.
The committee also advises victims to report their grievances directly to the GSICC instead of approaching the media. This approach aims to maintain confidentiality and ensure that complaints are handled with the sensitivity and professionalism they require. By encouraging direct reporting, the association hopes to build trust among its members and ensure that all cases are dealt with in a structured and fair manner.
In addition to addressing sexual harassment within the film industry, the Nadigar Sangam has committed to supporting individuals who wish to file cybercrime complaints against objectionable or defamatory content. This includes content aired by YouTube channels targeting actors and their families. By broadening the scope of its protective measures to include cyber harassment, the association is taking a holistic approach to safeguarding its members from various forms of abuse and harassment.
The activities and resolutions of the GSICC will be closely monitored by the Nadigar Sangam to ensure they are effectively implemented. To further strengthen the committee’s capabilities, a lawyer will be appointed to assist in handling complaints and providing legal support to complainants. This move underscores the association’s commitment to transparency and justice, as well as its dedication to creating a safe environment for all members of the Tamil film industry.
These decisions by the Nadigar Sangam come amid increasing concerns about sexual harassment in the film industry, highlighted by various reports and movements advocating for safer workplaces. The resolutions are also a response to the Hema Committee report, which revealed numerous cases of sexual harassment in the Malayalam film industry, prompting similar calls for action across different regional film industries in India.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
