The Maharashtra Government has issued notices to producers of television shows featuring children, seeking an explanation on the work environment provided to the minors.
"The Labour Commissioner has issued the notices under the Child Labour Act 1996, asking the producers to explain if the work environment for the children was conducive and that there was no violation of any law," Labour Minister Nawab Malik said.
If any one is found violating provisions of the Child Labour Act, action as per provisions of the law would be taken, the minister said.
There have been reports that children working in television shows are made to work for 12 to 14 hours at a stretch, Malik said.
"We would like to ensure that work environment does not in any way hamper their education and cause undue mental stress," he said.
Meanwhile, sources in the labour department said notices have been served to producers of various shows featuring children, including the popular 'Ballika Vadhu', 'Uttran' and 'Chhote Ustad' on Colors channel, 'Chhota Package Bada Dhamaka' on Zee TV and 'Chak De Bacche' on 9X channel.
