Sat Oct 04 19:26:01 UTC 2025: **The Hindu: News Article – October 5, 2025**
**Child Rights Groups Demand Stricter Guidelines After Tragedy at Political Rally**
**Chennai, India -** Following the tragic death of ten children in a stampede at a TVK political rally in Karur, child rights organizations and activists are urgently calling on the State government to implement comprehensive guidelines regulating children’s participation in large gatherings and political events. The incident has ignited a fierce debate about the safety and protection of children in public spaces.
P. Raja Gopal, Secretary of the Child Alert Alliance, emphasized the critical need for preventative measures. “It is of the utmost importance that we prevent any such incident in the future,” he stated. “We do not have guidelines for children taking part in large gatherings, but it is necessary now. It has been a long-pending request.”
In a letter addressed to the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Raja Gopal urged the State to immediately issue directives to strictly monitor public events, ensuring children are not exposed to vulnerable or unsafe situations.
Child psychologist Jeyanthi Rani echoed these concerns, pointing out the Election Commission’s existing ban on children’s participation in political rallies and stressing parental responsibility. “There was no need for an 18-month-old to be present at such a large gathering [Karur rally],” she said. “Strict regulations on the participation of children should have been put in place by authorities.”
Activist Devaneyan Arasu lamented the lack of proactive measures. “Everybody springs into action only after an incident occurs; no move is made to prevent it,” he said. He further highlighted the absence of comprehensive guidelines, data on affected children, and a robust monitoring body to address such situations.
The organizations are advocating for a multi-pronged approach, including clear regulations for event organizers, increased awareness among parents, and a dedicated body to enforce child protection measures during large gatherings. The call for action comes amid growing public outrage and a renewed focus on safeguarding children’s well-being in India.
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