In a recent incident that sparked widespread debate, students from the Government Primary School in Cumbharjua were seen protesting at Azad Maidan in Panaji alongside their parents and teachers. The demonstration was sparked by the sudden transfer of the school’s headmistress. The protesters argued that her transfer was politically motivated, leading them to demand her reinstatement.
However, the sight of children holding placards at a public protest site, drew significant concern. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant condemned the use of children in the protest, calling for an inquiry into the matter. He emphasised that while parents and teachers have the right to protest, involving children in such demonstrations raises ethical and legal questions about their protection and well-being.
This incident brings up a broader debate: Are children being used to amplify adult voices in political protests, or is this a legitimate way for them to participate in matters that affect their education? While the right to protest is fundamental in any democracy, involving children in these activities must be approached with extreme caution. Children are often unable to fully comprehend the complex issues at play, raising concerns about whether their participation is genuinely voluntary or influenced by adults.
In this case, it’s important to ask: Were these children voluntarily expressing their concern about the headmistress’ transfer, or were they being used as symbolic figures to strengthen the protest? The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), to which India is a signatory, provides a framework for the protection of children’s rights. This framework emphasizes that while children have the right to express their views, they must be protected from exploitation and harm. The incident in Cumbharjua highlights the delicate balance between civic engagement and protecting children’s rights.
Children’s Rights: Legal and Ethical Considerations
The UNCRC outlines several key rights for children that are particularly relevant in situations like this.
1. Right to Education (Article 28)
One of the most immediate concerns is the potential disruption of the children’s education. The UNCRC guarantees children the right to uninterrupted education. Pulling children out of school to participate in protests can impact their academic progress. While the cause of the protest—the transfer of a beloved headmistress—was close to the children’s school life, their right to education should remain the priority. Removing them from classrooms to attend public demonstrations sets a concerning precedent.
2. Protection from Exploitation (Article 19)
Another key concern is the potential exploitation of children in public protests. Article 19 of the UNCRC mandates that children must be protected from all forms of exploitation. In the case of the Cumbharjua protest, there is a risk that children were being used to draw more attention to the cause. Were they fully aware of the issues surrounding the headmistress’s transfer, or were they following the lead of their parents and teachers? The inquiry ordered by the Goa government seeks to determine whether the children’s involvement was voluntary or coerced. If the latter, this would constitute a violation of their rights.
3. Physical and Emotional Safety
The physical and emotional safety of children is paramount in any situation. Protests, even peaceful ones, can be unpredictable. In this case, children were exposed to the heat for extended periods while holding placards, raising concerns about their physical well-being. Additionally, the emotional strain of participating in a protest, particularly one rooted in community frustration, could have lasting effects on the children involved. CM Sawant expressed his dismay at seeing children used in this manner and emphasized that their safety and well-being should always come first.
While children have the right to express their views, especially on matters that affect their education, their involvement in protests should always be voluntary and informed. In this case, the involvement of the students raises important ethical questions. Did they understand the broader implications of the headmistress’s transfer, or were they influenced by the adults around them? While the parents and teachers may have felt justified in protesting, using children as part of the demonstration risks turning them into symbols for a cause they may not fully comprehend.
Encouraging children to engage in civic life is important for fostering responsible citizens. However, their participation in protests must be approached with caution, ensuring that their rights are not compromised.
The Directorate of Education should issue a clear advisory that strictly prohibits the involvement of children in protests, particularly those of a political nature. This advisory should emphasize the need to protect children’s rights by ensuring that they are not drawn into demonstrations, especially during school hours, which can disrupt their education.
The protest involving students from the Government Primary School in Cumbharjua serves as a reminder of the importance of balancing civic engagement with the protection of children’s rights. While children have the right to be heard in matters that affect them, their participation in protests must always be safe, voluntary, and conducted in a manner that prioritizes their well-being. The inquiry ordered by the Goa government will provide further clarity on the situation, but it is already evident that greater protections are needed to ensure that children’s rights are not compromised in the pursuit of adult-driven causes.
Moving forward, schools, parents, and communities must work together to ensure that children are empowered to participate in civic life without being placed in harm’s way or used as tools for political gain. By safeguarding their rights, we can help foster a generation of informed, responsible citizens while ensuring that their education and safety remain paramount.
The writer is an Assistant Professor at DD Kosambi School of Social Sciences and Behavioural Studies
