Women’s Forum for Screen Workers requests formation of an independent committee to investigate workplace harassment in Tollywood; Sends letter to West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee

The RG Kar rape-murder incident on August 9 has shaken Bengal to its core. The common people of the state have come out on the streets demanding justice for the victim and her family, as well as raised their voices collectively to protest against the culture of corruption and intimidation in various industries. Women’s Forum for Screen Workers + had already called to ensure safety and dignity for women in the workplace and issued a charter of demands.WFSW+ has now sent a letter to the Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, requesting formation of an independent committee to investigate workplace harassment and gender-based violence in the screen entertainment industry of West Bengal.
The letter sent to the CM of Bengal reads, “This tragedy not only highlighted the growing need to address violence, harassment and unsafe working conditions across all sectors, but also has rung the alarm for us to stand up against rampant sexual abuse and exploitation of women, minors and other marginalized identities working in our industry. Despite the legal frameworks available under the Sexual Harrassment Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition & Redressal) Act, 2013 (also known as PoSH Act), and the Protection of Children from Sexual Harrassment Act, 2012 (also known as POCSO Act), the implementation of safety measures and redressal mechanisms within our industry is inadequate.” The letter mentioned, “We urge the formation of an independent committee to investigate sexual harassment, gender-based violence, and unsafe working conditions within the screen entertainment industry of West Bengal. This committee would also review ground-level conditions in the light of existing laws and policies for workers, propose necessary reforms, and ensure that the POSH Act, the POCSO Act and other relevant laws are effectively enforced across all levels.”
WFSW+ once again put an emphasis on their demand charter, and made an attempt to draw attention toward certain serious matters like, the provisions under the PoSH Act not been uniformly implemented in the industry, lack of awareness of the offences and penalties as provided by the POCSO Act, unsafe working conditions for minors, and occupational safety.
The letter proposed certain terms of reference for the committee, saying, “We wish to emphasize that several safeguards must be put in place regarding the composition and terms of reference for this committee, ensuring it inspires confidence among our workers and is empowered to carry out its mandate effectively.”
For the sake of their safety and their dignity, WFSW+ requested for an independent investigating committee and wrote, “We insist that this independent committee be composed of gender sensitized legal experts, industry representatives, human rights activists, mental health experts and government officials who can work together to address these pressing issues and create a safer, more equitable work environment.” The letter concluded, saying, “We request your support in establishing this committee and urge the immediate action necessary to safeguard the dignity and rights of screen workers in West Bengal.”