Thanjavur: The Election Commission of India has directed all recognised political parties and candidates to ensure that no children aged under 14 are engaged in any election-related activity for the Thanjavur Assembly constituency.

It is the responsibility of the leaders of political parties to ensure that there are no violations of the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act 1986, said collector A Annadurai who is the district electoral officer for the November 19 polls. The collector warned that action will be taken against political parties and the candidates for any violations in this matter.