‘Zero Tolerance Towards Use of Children’: Election Commission’s Directive to Political Parties – News18

The Election Commission of India on Monday conveyed ‘zero tolerance’ towards the use of children by political parties in any campaign related work or activities. The governing body issued directives to political parties, candidates and election machinery.

EC, in its statement said that “political parties and candidates should refrain from using children in political campaigns and rallies in manner.”

The central agency said that this is continuation to its earlier directives regarding the dropping levels of campaign discourse of the parties and candidates. EC had also asked to maintain “respectful discourse” towards persons with disabilities (PwDs).

The EC said that be it distribution of posters/pamphlets or to participate in slogan shouting, campaign rallies, or election meetings, the political parties should not use children “in any form whatsoever”.

WHAT ARE EC’S DIRECTIVES ON THE MATTER?

1. Prohibition of Child Participation in Election-Related Activities: All political parties have been “explicitly directed” to not engage children in any form of electoral work, campaign or activity. During election campaigns or rallies, political leaders and candidates are also not allowed to hold in their arms or carry a child in their rally vehicle.
2. Prohibition Extends to Use of Children Via Any Other MeansThe prohibition, EC said, also extends to the use of children in any other manner that shows the guise of a political campaign. These means includes “poem, songs, spoken words, display of insignia of political party/candidate, exhibiting ideology of political party, promoting achievements of the party or criticising the opposing candidates or their parties”.
3. Political Parties, Candidates Asked to Ensure Strict Legal ComplianceThe central agency has asked all the political parties and candidates 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.

The EC’s directives also highlighted the Bombay High Court in its order in PIL — Chetan Ramlal Bhutada Vs State of Maharashtra & Others — which emphasised on the need for political parties to ensure that any minor is not allowed to participate in any election-related work.

EXCEPTION

The Election Commission, however, noted that the mere presence of a parent carrying their child in the proximity of a political leader, and who is not involved in any sort of election-related work, will not be counted as a violation of the guidelines.

The central agency’s statement further noted that the District Election Officers and Returning Officers will be personally liable for ensuring compliance with all the relevant laws and acts regarding Child Labour.

“Any violation of these provisions by election machinery under their

jurisdiction will result in severe disciplinary action,” the statement added.