Posted:
Notices to TV shows featuring children
State
Govt questions producers about working environment of child artistes,
following 'reports of children performing even when they were tired and
stressed'
By Santosh Andhale
Posted On Monday, December 15, 2008 at 02:11:19 AM
| Avika Gaur in 'Balika Vadhu'. TV has seen a spurt in serials featuring children |
"There have been several reports of children performing even when they were tired and stressed. We want to know if there is any violation of laws while shooting with children," sources in the state government said.
Sources in the state Labour Commissioner's office said, "Notices under the Child Labour Act were sent on Friday to several channels for shows that have children as performers.
These include Colors for 'Balika Vadhu', 'Chhotey Ustaad' and 'Uttran', Zee TV for 'Chhota Package Bada Dhamaka' and 9X for 'Chak De Bacche'."
Labour Minister Nawab Malik said notices have been issued but insisted he didn't have the details. "Action will be taken if there are any violations," he said.
'Balika Vadhu' producer Sanjay Wadhva, however, denied getting any notices. "They may have sent notices, but we haven't received anything yet. I can't comment beyond this," he said.
|
Sparsh Khanchandani in 'Uttran' |
He said, "We are not against children performing in school gatherings. They need to express themselves artistically. We are against commercial exploitation of young minds and bodies.
The state government's action has come after the National Commission for Child Protection took a tough stand on this issue."
The issue of children featuring in films or television was discussed at a two-day workshop on labour laws in New Delhi last week.
Apparently, Union Women and Child Development Minister Renuka Chaudhary was very keen on the issue and, sources said, it is possible the Centre too may independently seek explanations from TV channels.
Source-Mumbai Mirror
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