As the general elections are approaching, the Election Commission on Monday ordered the political parties to be exempt from using children in political campaigns, not even for posters, pamphlets, distributions, or for raising slogans. The poll panel said there will be “zero tolerance” towards the use of children in any way during the whole electoral process either by candidates or parties, highlighting the advisory shared with the parties.
Simultaneously, the EC sent a directory to all the election officials and poll machinery to withhold children's involvement in any degree during election-related work or activities.
"Any violation of these provisions by-election machinery under their jurisdiction will result in severe disciplinary action," it warned, saying, "This prohibition extends to the use of children to create the semblance of a political campaign in any manner including use through poem, songs, spoken words, display of insignia of political party or candidate."
District election officers and returning officers will "bear personal responsibility" to assure adherence to all relevant acts and laws about child labor.
However, the mere presence of a child accompanied by their parent or guardian in proximity of 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, it noted.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar has consistently emphasised the pivotal role of political parties as the EC's key stakeholders, urging them to become active partners in upholding democratic values, especially given the forthcoming parliamentary polls.
The advisory on children came days after its earlier advisory to political parties to maintain respectful discourse towards persons with disabilities (PwDs). EC also reminded parties and candidates of the relevant laws dealing with child labor and asked them to ensure strict compliance.
It noted that in 2014, the Bombay High Court had also stressed the need to ensure that political parties do not allow the participation of minor children in any election-related activities.
Since Rajiv Kumar took over as the CEC, the poll panel has been actively implementing directives aimed at streamlining various activities of political parties.
These measures include the establishment of an online portal to facilitate transparent financial disclosures by political parties for timely submission of statutory reports and to facilitate vigil on misuse of enabling statutory provisions.
Additionally, the EC has undertaken initiatives to identify and delist fraudulent Registered Unrecognized Political Parties (RUPPs).
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