NHRC Launches Probe: Were Children Used for Money and Slogans in Digvijaya Singh's Yatra?

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urgently stepped in, issuing a notice to the Madhya Pradesh government following serious allegations that children were exploited during a 'yatra' led by veteran Congress leader and former Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh. Complaints suggest these children were not only offered money to participate but also made to chant objectionable political slogans during the procession. This move comes as a stark reminder of the ethical and legal boundaries surrounding political campaigning, especially concerning minors. NHRC Member Priyank Kanoongo confirmed the commission's intervention, directing the state's Chief Secretary and Director General of Police to launch a thorough investigation and submit an Action Taken Report within 15 days. These allegations are deemed prima facie violations of child rights and run directly against the Election Commission of India stringent 'zero tolerance' guidelines, which explicitly ban the involvement of children in political campaigns. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has also been roped in to investigate the alleged online circulation of videos and photos showing children in the yatra. The ball is now firmly in the Madhya Pradesh government court, with a tight two-week deadline to uncover the truth and detail their response. This probe could set a significant precedent for how political parties engage with the public, particularly minors, in rallies and campaigns going forward. The outcome of this investigation will be keenly watched, potentially leading to strict action against those found responsible and reinforcing child protection laws in the political arena.