The Hindu

April 18 2004

"We may not be old enough to vote, but we have every right to demand things of both voters and candidates. After all, it's a vote for our future."

This comment was offered by a member of Bhima Sangha, a working children's collective based in Karnataka, India. This collective seeks to ensure that working children play an active role in the democratic process in India (click here for a Programme Description).

These children planned a campaign among voters in preparation for the 2004 elections as part of an effort to urge citizens to vote for "good" candidates rather than those who tried to lure voters with money. As this brief article indicates, members of Bhima Sangha also prepared a list of demands to present to the candidates. Those who agreed to the demands, which include such statements as "You should disclose all your assets with honesty", would be added to the "green list"; those who refused would be consigned to the "red list". The lists were displayed publicly in areas in which Bhima Sangha is active.

When asked whether and how it would be possible to ensure the candidates will honour these demands once elected, one young campaigner said, "You think we will let them be?" We will pester them and make sure they do."

Click here to access the full report in The Hindu, April 18 2004.

Letter sent from The Concerned for Working Children to The Communication Initiative on April 27 2004.