NCPCR issues guidelines for protection of child artistes

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, June 25

Unveiling draft guidelines covering children working in the entertainment industry, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) on Saturday said children should not work for more than 27 straight days.

The guidelines also mandate deposit of 20 per cent of the child’s income in their bank accounts in a nationalised bank.

The Draft Regulatory Guidelines for Child Participation in the entertainment industry span TV, reality shows, TV serials, news and informative media, movies, content on OTT platforms and social media, performing arts, advertising and any other media involving commercial employment of children.

The guidelines require producers of programmes involving child artistes to seek permission from district magistrates and give an undertaking that the child won’t be subjected to abuse or exploitation.

“No child should be allowed to work for more than 27 consecutive days. The child shall participate in one shift each day with a break after every three hours and not be made to enter into an agreement for rendering any service as a bonded labourer under the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976. The producer must ensure school education of children engaged in the shooting is not affected. A child excused from school attendance because of engagement in the entertainment industry shall be taught by a private tutor appointed by the producer,” said the rules.

It adds that at least 20 per cent of the child’s income be directly deposited in a fixed deposit in a nationalised bank in the name of the child to be credited on becoming an adult. The new rules bar children from being cast in a “role or situation that is inappropriate or causes distress.”

These also put the onus of ensuring a safe work environment for children on the production houses, adding the child artistes should not be exposed to harmful lighting, irritating or contaminated cosmetics.

Deposit 20% income in child’s account

• At least 20 per cent of the child’s income be directly deposited in a fixed deposit in a nationalised bank in the name of the child to be credited on becoming an adult
• No child should be allowed to work for more than 27 consecutive days
• The child shall participate in one shift each day with a break after every three hours

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