ECI imposes strict measures against use of children in election campaigns

New Delhi, Feb 5: The Election Commission of India has issued stringent directives aimed at preventing the exploitation of children in any election-related activities. Political parties are explicitly advised against engaging children in campaigns, including distributing posters or pamphlets and participating in slogan shouting, rallies, and election meetings. The Commission has adopted a 'Zero Tolerance' stance towards the involvement of children in any capacity during the electoral process by political parties and candidates.

Key Highlights

Prohibition of Child Participations:

Political parties are explicitly instructed not to involve children in any form of election campaign activities, such as rallies, slogan shouting, distribution of campaign materials, or any other related tasks. The use of children by political leaders and candidates for campaign purposes, including holding them in their arms or carrying them in vehicles, is strictly prohibited

Extended Prohibition

The ban extends to the use of children to create the appearance of a political campaign through poems, songs, spoken words, the display of party/candidate insignia, exhibiting political ideologies, promoting party achievements, or criticizing opposing parties/candidates. However, the mere presence of a child accompanied by their parent or guardian in the vicinity of a political leader, without involvement in any campaign activity, will not be considered a violation of the guidelines.

Legal Compliance:

Political parties and candidates must ensure strict compliance with the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, as amended by the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016.