Election Commission of India directs parties not to use kids in poll campaigning

Mahendragarh, February 19

In view of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued guidelines for all political parties and candidates. According to these guidelines, no political party or candidate would be able to use children in election-related activities.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Monica Gupta said political parties had been advised not to use children in election campaigning in any form. It was inappropriate to use children for the distribution of posters/pamphlets, in sloganeering, campaign rallies, election meetings, etc.

“The prohibition extends to the use of children to create the semblances of a political campaign in any manner, including use through poems, songs, spoken words, display of insignia of political parties or candidates and promotion of achievements of any party or candidate,” she said.

The DC clarified that the presence of a child with his/her parent or guardian in close proximity to a political leader would not be considered a violation of the guidelines. “All political parties and candidates are bound to ensure the strict compliance of the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act,” she added.

Sources said the District Election Officers and Returning Officers would, as per the directives, bear responsibility for ensuring compliance with all relevant acts and laws pertaining to child labour. Any violation of these provisions by the election machinery under their jurisdiction would result in severe disciplinary action.