NVI Correspondent
Srinagar, Sep 02 (NVI): The Office of the Returning Officer for AC-86 Budhal (ST) issued an advisory to all political parties and candidates that the Commission’s directions, as required by the Election Commission of India, which prohibit the participation of children in election-related activities, be strictly followed.
An advisory, a copy of which lies with the News Vibes of India (NVI) reads, it also stated that political parties and contestants in the Budhal constituency should strictly adhere to the Election Commission’s press note dated February 5, 2024, over “zero tolerance” for involving children in any form of campaigning.
It reads, the circular has strictly prohibited the use of children during rallies, slogan shouting, distribution of posters or pamphlets, and other election-related activities.
The advisory also underlines the fact that political leaders should not use children for any purpose whatsoever, even holding a child during campaigning or carrying them in campaign vehicles. The Election Commission guidelines extend even to the indirect use of children, even through poems and songs or any other propaganda related to the ideology of a political party or criticizing opponents.
The advisory reads as, the Returning Officer has also reminded all political parties and candidates that they must adhere to the Child Labour Prohibition and Regulation Act, 1986, amended in 2016, so as not to exploit any minor child during election processes. An advisory in this regard refers to an order of the Bombay High Court in 2014 that it is necessary to ensure that minor children are not utilized during election campaigns.
Similarly, as such, it is appealed to the political parties and candidates that these guidelines be properly followed, so that no child is engaged in any electoral activity. Representatives of the political parties are appealed to uphold the integrity of the electoral process in the Assembly Constituency of AC-86 Budhal.(News Vibes of India)
