As assembly elections draw near, political parties have intensified their campaigns across poll-bound states. With electioneering gaining momentum, District Election Officers (DEOs) have reiterated the Election Commission of India's (ECI) strict directives against using children in political campaigns and rallies.
Snehil Kumar Singh, the Kozhikode District Collector and District Election Officer (DEO), has stipulated that children must not be used in political campaigns. A similar directive has been issued by the Alappuzha DEO, reinforcing the Election Commission's zero-tolerance policy.
The ECI has conveyed 'zero tolerance' towards the use of children in any manner during the electoral process by parties and candidates.
What are the ECI directives on children in campaigns?
* Political parties are explicitly directed not to use children in any form of election campaign, including rallies, slogan shouting, distribution of posters or pamphlets, or any other election-related activity.
*Political leaders and candidates should not use children for campaign activities in any manner, including holding a child in their arms, carrying a child in a vehicle or in rallies.
*Any activity using children to create the semblance of a political campaign—including poems, songs, and spoken words- is also prohibited.
*Political parties are also barred from using minors to display candidate insignia, promote party achievements, or attack political opponents.
* All political parties and candidates are required to ensure strict compliance with the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, as amended by the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016.
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* However, the mere presence of a child accompanied by their parent or guardian in proximity to a political leader who is not involved in any election campaigning activity by the political party will not be construed as a violation of the guidelines.
The Commission has directed all election officials and machinery to refrain from involving children in any capacity during election-related work. District Election Officers and Returning Officers shall bear personal responsibility for ensuring compliance with all relevant acts and laws of child labour. Any violation of these provisions by the election machinery under their jurisdiction will result in severe disciplinary action.
