Political parties criticised for using children in poll campaigns
PTK NEWS DESK/Sameer Ahmad
Anantnag, April 22: Political parties in District Anantnag are allegedly violating the guidelines of Election commission of India (ECI) during poll campaigns, using children in election related work or activities like shouting slogans and unfurling flags during poll campaigns in the district.
According to the reports, children’s were seen in poll campaigns in the district shouting slogans and unfurling flags in contravention to the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), Anantnag circular issued few days back vide No 216/CWC/Ang/2024 Dated 20-04-2024. The Committee has directed political parties “not to engage children in any form of election campaign, including rallies, slogan shouting, distribution of posters of pamphlets or any other election related activity including holding a child in their arms, carrying a child in their vehicle or in rallies, political parties and candidates may be informed that action shall be taken under the provisions of Junevile Act 2015, and Child Labour Act amended 2016, reads circular.
However, following the violation of ECI guidelines, the CWC has written to District Election Officer Anantnag (DEO) about use of children in poll campaigns in the district.
Election Commission of India conveys zero tolerance towards use of children in election related work or campaign activities and urged political parties and candidates that they should refrain from using children in political campaigns and rallies in any manner.
Keeping in view the guidelines of Election commission of India and provisions of child labour (Prohibition and regulation) Act 1986 as amended by the child labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016 and of Juvenile Justice (Care and protection of children) Act 2015, all political parties and candidates may be directed not to engage children in any form of election campaign, reads the letter of the CWC, Anantnag.
