Bhubaneswar, Aug 8: The Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR) has issued an advisory to all district collectors, emphasizing the effective implementation of existing rules and regulations to prevent the exploitation of children in the entertainment industry.
"It has come to the notice of the Commission that there are growing incidences of engaging children and adolescents in the entertainment industry and commercial entertainment activities, especially in television, cinema, yatras, and live theatres, posing a threat to the protection of rights of those children," stated Mandakini Kar, OSCPCR chairperson, in a letter.
The commission has directed district collectors to enforce the provisions of the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, Child and Adolescent Labour Rules, 2017, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, and Right to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009.
According to the advisory, TV or film producers and 'Jatra' party owners must obtain permission from the District Magistrate before involving children in their activities. For live shows, an announcement must specify that all necessary measures were taken to ensure no child was abused, neglected, or exploited. A disclaimer should be displayed at the beginning of films, TV serials, reality shows, or social media content.
District Child Protection Units (DCPUs) are instructed to inspect workplaces and issue permits, valid for six months, to producers, 'Jatra' parties, or theatre owners. The DCPUs will submit lists of child artists to the Child Welfare Committee and the district Labour Inspector.
The advisory mandates that no child or adolescent should be cast in roles or situations inappropriate for their age, maturity, emotional, or psychological development. Infants under three months old are prohibited from participating in shows, except those promoting breastfeeding or immunisation.
"Minors, especially those under six years old, must not be exposed to harmful lighting or irritating or contaminated cosmetics. Producers and Yatra party owners must ensure that children/adolescents receive adequate and nutritious food and water during the shooting and live performance," the advisory added.
Additionally, the commission has stipulated that no child shall work more than five hours a day or more than three hours without a break.
District collectors have been instructed to submit compliance reports on the advisory promptly.
