Mysuru
As per the Karnataka Rules ‘2C’ under the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, applicable within the jurisdiction of Mysuru district, if a child intends to work as an artist, then in accordance with the provisions of Section 3(1), it is mandatory to obtain prior permission from the deputy commissioner for the child to undertake acting assignments as a child artist.
Under the amended Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 (Amendment Act, 2016), employment of children below the age of 14 years is completely prohibited in all occupations and processes, except for activities related to acting as child artists, provided such activities do not adversely affect the child’s right to education. The Act also completely prohibits engaging adolescent workers aged between 14 and 18 years in hazardous occupations. If such employment is found, the offending employer is liable to imprisonment ranging from six months to two years and a fine of ₹20,000 to ₹50,000, or both. In the case of a repeat offence, imprisonment from one year to three years may be imposed.
If a child is to participate in any programme produced by producers of audio-visual media or in any commercial programme, prior permission must be obtained from the District Magistrate of the area where the activity is to be conducted. In addition, before commencing such activities, an undertaking in prescribed Form “C” must be submitted to the District Magistrate, along with a list of participating children and consent letters from their parents or guardians.
This decision has been taken in the interest of children’s education. Producers and organisers who wish to engage children for roles as child actors or actresses must mandatorily obtain permission from the District Collector. Using children for acting without such permission will amount to a violation of the law. Legal action will be initiated against organisers and producers responsible for films and serials that violate these provisions, Assistant Labour Commissioner stated in a press release.