Desk Report, February 14, 2024: As the nation gears up for the upcoming General Election to Lok Sabha in 2024, authorities in Hojai District have issued a crucial directive to all Arms and Guns license holders. In compliance with section 21 of the Arms Act, 1959, licensees are instructed to deposit their firearms at the nearest Police Station. The deadline for compliance is set for February 19, 2024. This order is effective immediately.
Simultaneously, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has taken a proactive step by issuing a directive to political parties and candidates participating in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The ECI sternly urges them to refrain from involving children in any election campaigning activities. The commission maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding the use of children in such contexts.
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In a recent advisory sent to political parties, the ECI explicitly states that children should not be engaged in any way, whether it’s being carried, held, or participating in rallies. The directive extends to various forms, including the use of children to create a political campaign appearance through poems, songs, spoken words, or displaying political party insignia.
The ECI emphasizes, “The mere presence of a child accompanied by their parent or guardian in proximity to a political leader, not involved in any election campaigning activity, will not be considered a violation of the guidelines.”
With these measures in place, authorities aim to ensure a fair and ethical electoral process for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
