Women’s commission writes to DC on setting up POSH committee in film chamber

BENGALURU: The Karnataka State Film Chamber of Commerce has been accused of not forming a POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) committee despite expiry of the deadline. The State Women’s Commission has now written to the district deputy commissioner to take action as the two deadlines have passed.

A POSH Committee is mandatory in the interest of artists’ safety. Some artists in Sandalwood are both for and against the formation of the committee. If artists are opposed to forming a committee, then they need to give a suitable (valid) reason.

State Women’s Commission Chairperson Dr Nagalakshmi Chaudhary has issued a strict warning to the film chamber on setting up the POSH committee.

Significance and criteria of POSH

A POSH committee should be established in any workplace with 10 or more women.

The committee will have an order from the central government.

A senior actress should be the chairperson of the committee.

Half the members of this committee should be women.

A woman activist should be on the committee.

Women, those who fought for their rights, and women’s safety should be included in the committee.

The committee is responsible for receiving complaints of sexual harassment, conducting inquiries and resolving the issues.