The Centre has decided to set up a five-member committee to look into the working conditions of child artists performing in tele-serials, reality shows and advertisements.Concerned over reports that children were “over burdened” by their parents with regard to such shows, the Union Ministry for Women and Child Development has asked the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) to look into the condition of children participating in such programmes.The five-member committee will have one official each from Labour and Women and Child Development ministries, a child psychologist, a member of the NCPCR and a professional with experience in producing reality shows.“The working conditions under which they work are not properly defined. There are no guidelines to define whether they are getting proper rest after shooting for eight-nine hours or nutritious food in the studios,” Union Women and Child Development Minister Renuka Chowdhury told reporters here.“It is not sure whether their education is suffering due to these engagements. After a thorough study we will be coming out with guidelines for children working under any conditions,” she said.NCPCR member Sandhya Bajaj said the committee members will talk to child stars who have made it big like Kunal Khemu and Sarika about their experiences as child artists and their suggestions.“This is a new type of child labour which we have to deal with. The parents of these child artists are rich and do not necessarily need money, but today the craze to see their offspring in TV is all pervasive,” she said.
