Odisha Issues Advisory To Check Exploitation Of Child Artistes In TV & Jatra

Bhubaneswar: Raising concerns over the safety of children engaged in entertainment industry, the Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR) has issued an advisory, instructing all the district collectors in the state to prevent any kind of exploitation through effective implementation of various existing rules and regulations related to their rights.

While hiring a child artiste, TV or film producers and ‘Jatra’ party owners are required obtain permission from the collector of the district where the activity will take place. They have to provide the District Magistrate with an undertaking in Form C (as per the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Rules, 2017), a list of child participants, parental or guardian consent and the name of the person responsible for the child’s safety and security.

“For live shows, there must be an announcement specifying that all necessary measures are taken to ensure no child was abused, neglected, or exploited during the performance or shooting. There should be a disclaimer to be displayed at the beginning of films, each episode of TV serials, reality shows, or content on social media platforms,” reads a letter issued by OSCPCR chairperson, Mandakini Kar, on Tuesday.

It further said that the district collectors may instruct the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) to inspect the workplace and issue a permit, valid for six months only, to the producers, ‘Jatra’ party, or theatre owners. The DCPU also has to submit the list of child artists engaged in such shows to the Child Welfare Committee and the Labour Inspector of the district.

The commission has instructed that no child or adolescent should be cast in a role or situation that is inappropriate for their age, maturity, emotional, or psychological development, or that may distress or embarrass them.

Infants under 3 months old may not participate in shows except for programmes promoting breastfeeding or immunisation.

“Minors, especially those under 6 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,” added the advisory.

The commission has strictly instructed that no child shall work more than five hours a day, and no more than three hours without a break.

All production units and Jatra parties have been asked to develop guidelines for dealing with children/adolescents on set. These
guidelines should include general principles, procedures for obtaining parental consent, best practices, staff protocols for engagement, and a child/adolescent protection policy.

The collectors have been instructed to submit the compliance report on the advisory at the earliest.