DC nod compulsory to engage child actors in films, TV programmes

The Mysuru district administration has made it mandatory for producers and organisers to obtain prior permission from the Deputy Commissioner before engaging children as actors or artistes in films, television serials and other audio-visual commercial programmes.

According to a press release by the Assistant Labour Commissioner, Mysuru, the requirement is in accordance with the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, and its Amendment Act, 2016. The law completely prohibits the employment of children below 14 years of age in all occupations and processes, except for limited activities as artists, provided such work does not adversely affect the child’s right to education and is undertaken only with the approval of the Deputy Commissioner.

The Act also strictly prohibits the engagement of adolescents in the age group of 14 to 18 years in hazardous occupations and processes. In case of violation, the employer is liable to imprisonment ranging from six months to two years and a fine of ₹20,000 to ₹50,000, or both. Repeat offences may attract imprisonment from one to three years, the release stated.

The release further stated that any producer or organiser involving children in programmes produced for audio-visual media or in commercial events must obtain prior permission from the District Magistrate of the area where the activity is to be carried out. Before commencement of such activity, an undertaking in Form ‘C’ must be submitted to the District Magistrate, along with a list of the participating children and consent letters from their parents or legal guardians.

The decision has been taken keeping in view the educational interests of children. Using children for acting without obtaining the mandatory permission from the Deputy Commissioner would amount to a violation of law, and legal action will be initiated against the organisers and producers responsible for such films or television serials, the Assistant Labour Commissioner warned.