The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) Chairperson, Priyank Kanoongo, has filed a written complaint with the Chief Election Commissioner of the Election Commission of India, accusing Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti of allegedly using school-going children in the Rajouri-Anantnag election campaign.
In a letter headlined "Use of school-going children for the election campaign for Rajouri-Anantnag P.C. by Ms Mehbooba Mufti,' the NCPCR complaint alleged that" Mehbooba Mufti of the PDP used school children for the electoral objectives."
The Commission noted that it had acquired information suggesting Mufti's suspected involvement of schoolchildren in the election campaign for the Rajouri-Anantnag parliamentary seat.
The complaint also highlighted that such acts appeared to violate several guidelines and rules of the Model Code of Conduct established by the Election Commission of India.
Citing its jurisdiction under Section 13(1) of the CPCR Act, 2005, the NCPCR sent the case to the Chief Election Commissioner, requesting appropriate action in response to the alleged infringement.
The NCPCR, a statutory body established under the CPCR Act of 2005, is responsible for protecting children's rights and overseeing the implementation of key legislation such as the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act of 2012, the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act of 2015, and the Right to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act of 2009.
These acts prohibit the use of children for personal gain via exploitation and manipulation.
Meanwhile, notices have also been served to the star campaigners of the national parties and their heads for violating the model code of conduct.
Prime Minister Modi and opposition leader Rahul Gandhi were also served notices by the Election Commission for violating the Model Code of Conduct.
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