Neither in rallies, nor in posters… Children will not be seen in election campaign, EC issued strict guidelines
The Election Commission has started preparations for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. On Monday, the Election Commission has given instructions not to involve children and minors in the election campaign. The Commission has issued strict instructions and said that children or minors should not be seen distributing campaign pamphlets, pasting posters, raising slogans or carrying party flags and banners in the general elections.
‘Involvement of children in campaigning is not tolerated’
The Election Commission says that involving children in election related work or election campaign activities cannot be tolerated. This guideline includes involving children in political campaigning in any way, including reciting poetry, songs, slogans or words spoken by children or displaying symbols of any political party or candidate. Involvement of children in election campaign related activities cannot be tolerated.
‘Action will be taken if the guidelines are violated’
The Commission said that if any party is found involving children in its election efforts, then action will be taken under all the acts and laws related to child labour. The District Election Officer and Returning Officer have been given the responsibility to take action in this regard. However, the presence of a child along with his/her parent or guardian in the vicinity of a political leader does not constitute election campaign activity and will not be considered a violation of this guideline.
Giving information about the action to be taken if children are caught campaigning, the Commission said that all political parties and candidates are required to ensure strict compliance with the Child Labor (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 as amended by the Child Labor (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986. Is necessary.
Political parties should not allow: Commission
Citing a decision of the Bombay High Court in its guidelines, the Commission said that as per the amended Act, 2016, all political parties should ensure that children are not involved in election campaigning and the parties should not allow this to their candidates.
