Hyderabad: Candidates campaigning for the ensuing polls have to be alert as the labour department has opposed involving children in campaigns, rallies or any other polling-related activities. If anyone is found involved in such activities, he or she will be sentenced to one year’s imprisonment and a fine of Rs 20,000 and an additional compensation will be imposed on them.
This is in compliance with the Child Labour Act which so far was applicable only to children employed in hazardous conditions. However, this year, the EC has sent a circular to the department to include children involved in campaigning or related activities under the Act. “Children must not be used for any poll activities and this definitely attracts the Child Labour Act. We have over 30 special officers who will report such incidents,” said joint labour commissioner Dr E. Gangadhar.
Mamatha Raghuveer, member of the AP State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, said, “Police should be vigilant and cases must be booked immediately. More departments must be involved.” Vijaya Devi, member of the Children Welfare Committee added that children weren’t vote banks and must not be used for such activities.
