New Delhi, July 11 (IANS) Despite a ban by the Maharashtra government, Information and Boradcasting Minister Ambika Soni says she has no problems with child artists featuring in TV serials as long as their studies are not affected.
“There is no problem with child stars featuring in serials, because after all, parents are the best judge of their children,” Soni told CNN-IBN in an interview.

“If parents are okay with it and the children are continuing their studies alongside, what is the problem with them performing in serials?” she asked.

“I think parents are the best judge. So long as their studies don’t suffer and parents have no problem I don’t know why any notice has been served. Parents are the best decision makers,” she said.

Last month, the Maharastra government had issued notices to several production houses, warning them against violating the Child Labour Act by using children in their TV shows.

The state labour department had pulled up these production houses for violating provisions of the Act under which child artistes should get one hour rest after every three hours of shooting. Also, their studies should not be affected. If found guilty, the production houses may have to cough up Rs.10,000 in fine or face imprisonment of up to six months.

Soni has said that she would review the notices already issued.

• Ambika

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