The Election Commission of India has asked schools that run scouting and guiding activities to send students to poll booths to assist the aged and incapacitated, but schools have left it to parents to decide whether they want their kids to join poll duty.

Through a directive issued in March, the Election Commission has asked schools to depute four members of Bharat Scouts and Guides each at their nearest polling booths on the day of election for assisting senior citizens and the physically challenged voters.

National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers at the college levels have also been asked to be present at the booths.

“This is the first time that the Election Commission has sought help from The Bharat Scouts and Guides. We have sent letters to a limited number of schools, requesting them to help in the electoral process,” said Naresh Kumar, district commissioner of the East Singhbhum unit of The Bharat Scouts and Guides.

The Bharat Scouts and Guides, which organised a rally for voter awareness in the steel city on Wednesday, has sought help from 25 schools in East Singhbhum, including some private English medium cradles.

The students between 14 and 17 years will be provided with identity cards, food and the required protection by the district administration.

A teacher from each school will accompany the students and guide them on the dos and don’ts.

Volunteers from NSS have already been intimated and trained on their role at their respective polling booths.

A workshop was also organised for NSS volunteers at the district collectorate last week.

The schools concerned have, however, put the ball in the parents’ court regarding sending their children on poll duty.

“I think it’s risky for students under 18 to be at a polling booth on the day of election. Also they have got nothing to do with election. The rising mercury level is an added concern. I can only commit once I speak to the parents in this regard. It is their call,” said Swarna Mishra, principal of Dayanand Public School in Sakchi.

Rajani Shekhar, principal of DBMS English School, agreed.

“It is a good thing that they will help senior citizens and the disabled, but we will only send the names after parents give their consent,” she said.