Mysore/Mysuru: The District Administration has made it mandatory for producers and organisers of audio and visual media, to obtain prior permission from the Deputy Commissioner (DC), before engaging children as actors or artistes in films, television serials and other audio-visual commercial programmes.

According to a press release issued by the Assistant Labour Commissioner, Mysuru, under the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 and Amendment Act, 2016, any child who is willing to work as a child artiste, in compliance with Section 3 of the afore mentioned Act, should compulsorily obtain the permission of the Deputy Commissioner.

While the law completely prohibits the employment of children below 14 years of age in all hazardous occupations and activities, except for limited activities as artistes, provided such work does not adversely affect the child’s right to education and is undertaken only with the approval of the Deputy Commissioner.

If the children are involved in hazardous activities, the employers will have to serve imprisonment for a minimum of six months and a maximum of two years, with a fine amount ranging from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 50,000. Repeated offence will attract 1 year to 3-year jail term.

The producers of audio and visual media and commercial programmes, willing to engage a child in the events, should seek prior permission from the DC of the respective place and submit an undertaking to the DC under Form C. The list of children and the consent letters of parents should also be submitted.

The decision has been taken in the interest of children’s academic life. The engaging of children in acting, without the approval of DC will be a clear violation of law. The film or serial organisers, producers will be liable for legal action, Assistant Labour Commissioner has warned.