NCPCR’s new guidelines for child artistes ‘are too strict and need to be challenged’ say film industry experts – Exclusive – Times of India

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has drafted a new set of guidelines for children working in the entertainment industry and asked the stakeholders to give their feedback. The draft has been met with some mixed reactions. ETimes spoke to the CEO of Producers Guild of India, Nitin Tej Ahuja, who said, “The issue of child rights and safety is paramount for our members. We have sent in a comprehensive representation to NCPCR on the draft guidelines wherein we have taken them through the practical feasibility of implementing some of their guidelines. It is also important to note that many of the key concerns highlighted in the guidelines are already addressed and regulated by a number of already existing laws.”

A senior producer from the television industry, on condition of anonymity, said that guidelines are too strict and need to be challenged. Another senior member from the producers’ body resonated and said that there are quite a few proposals that are very unreasonable. “There is one proposal that states if you need to replace a child on set or want to use more kids after issuing a list, then the entire shoot will be held up to register again with the district magistrate. Also, sometimes a shoot may entirely change location and one will have to go through the entire process again if it’s a new district.”

Another impractical requirement is that of a medical certificate from the entire unit if there is a child involved in a shooting. “There’s another proposal that a medical certificate has to be given for everyone coming in contact with children and police verification of the same has to be done. Given the vast number of people on sets, this will be a very time consuming and expensive exercise and will go for a toss if there is a last minute change in crew which is very common,” the senior member of producers’ body added.