NEW DELHI, July 19 (Xinhua) -- Indian Labor and Employment Ministry has taken a strict note and expressed serious concern over the violations of Child Labor Rules in films and television programmes industry.
It has reportedly urged the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to ensure that the child artists' rights are well protected, and their working conditions are as per the set rules and norms. It also called for "strict compliance" of the Rules laid in this regard.
In India, child artists working in TV and films industry are protected under the "Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act, 1986", as amended in 2016, as well as the rules framed under it for the audio-visual industry.
Following the concerns expressed by the Ministry of Labor and Employment, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is soon expected to issue advisories on the issue to film producers and broadcasters.
A large number of child artists work in India's film industry, popularly called "Bollywood", besides TV programs, particularly in dance, singing, laughter shows and also in reality shows.
Various entertainment channels run talent-hunt shows for months together in which they organise competition among children of similar age group and then adjudge the winners. Such TV shows are a big hit even as they are keenly watched in households, particularly the youths, mainly over the weekends.
According to a report in English daily "The Hindu" on Friday, under the "Child Labor (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Rules, 2017", the child artistes are supposed to work for a maximum of five hours a day and not more than three hours without rest.
The rules also require permission from the District Magistrate (the highest ranking official in a district) and an undertaking by the TV or Films producer, as well as the deployment of one person each for ensuring the safety and security of a maximum of five children.
Besides, as per the rules, a child artist should not be away from schooling for more than 27 days and 20 percent of his/her income should be deposited in a fixed deposit in their name.
If a child was involved in filming, the film should include a disclaimer saying that all measures were taken to ensure that no abuse, neglect or exploitation of the child took place during shooting.
