Stick to Child Labor Act in media production: MIB urges TV channels

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has issued an advisory requesting that all private satellite TV channels adhere to the provisions of the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 2016 and the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Rules, 1988 regarding the use of child actors in advertisements, films, serials, and other forms of entertainment.

"Producer of any audiovisual media production or any commercial event involving the participation of a child shall involve a child in participation and ensure that all screenings of his films and television programmes shall be made with a disclaimer specifying that if any child has been engaged in the shooting, then all the measures were taken to ensure that there was no child involved in the shooting," says Rule 2(c)(b) of the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Rules, 1988.

"It has been noted that compliance with the aforementioned Rule 2(c)(b) is not being recorded, and the above disclaimer is not seen in most media productions or commercial events involving children. In light of the foregoing, all private satellite TV stations are urged to follow the regulations in media production and commercial events "said the MIB.

The Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act of 2016 makes it illegal to employ minors in any job or business. This does not apply, however, if the child "works as an artist in the audiovisual entertainment industry, including advertisements, films, television serials, or any other form of entertainment subject to such conditions and safety measures as may be prescribed, provided that no such work under this clause shall affect the child's school education."