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ECI Mandates Paid Holiday for Voters in Poll-Bound States, Warns Employers

The Election Commission of India has issued strict guidelines mandating a paid holiday for all eligible voters in states and union territories heading to Assembly polls and by-elections. The directive, under the Representation of the People Act, applies to all workers, including daily wage and casual laborers, and covers those working outside their home constituency. States going to polls include Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Puducherry, with specific polling dates in April. The ECI has cautioned employers that any violation will result in a financial penalty.

Key Points: ECI Guidelines: Paid Holiday for Voters in Poll-Bound States

  • Paid holiday for all eligible voters
  • Applies to daily wage & casual workers
  • Covers four states and one UT
  • Penalty for employer violations
2 min read

Holiday for electors in poll-bound states: ECI lays down guidelines, cautions against violation

Election Commission mandates paid holiday for voters in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Puducherry. Employers face penalty for violation.

"Any employer who contravenes these provisions shall be liable to a fine. - Election Commission of India"

New Delhi, April 3

The Election Commission of India on Friday laid down guidelines for states/UTs headed to Assembly elections as well as bypolls in the next few days to facilitate maximum participation of voters in the electoral process.

The polling body, in a detailed statement, elaborated on provisions for providing paid holiday to the electors on voting day in respective states. It has also cautioned the employers against any violations, stating that any attempt to bypass the instructions will invite a penalty.

Invoking the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the ECI said, "Every person employed in any business, trade, industrial undertaking, or any other establishment, and entitled to vote at an election to the House of the People or to the Legislative Assembly of a States/UTs or Bye-election to a PC/AC shall be granted a paid holiday on the day of poll."

"No deduction of wages shall be made on account of such a paid holiday," it added.

Notably, four states and one union territory, namely Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry, are set to elect their new Legislative Assemblies, while by-elections will be held in eight Assembly constituencies in Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Nagaland and Tripura.

Assam, Kerala and Puducherry will head to the polls on April 9, Tamil Nadu on April 23, while West Bengal will see two-phased elections on April 23 and 29.

The respective state governments have already announced public holidays on polling day to facilitate smooth elections. All government offices, institutions and colleges will remain closed in these states.

Reiterating the provisions of paid holiday on polling day, the ECI said, "Any employer who contravenes these provisions shall be liable to a fine. All daily wage and casual workers are also entitled to a paid holiday on the day of the poll."

The electors working in other constituencies will also be entitled to a paid holiday.

"Electors (including casual and daily wage workers) who are working or employed in industrial or commercial establishments located outside their constituency but are registered as voters in a constituency going to polls shall also be entitled to the benefit of a paid holiday on the day of poll to enable them to cast their vote," said the ECI in its notification.

It has also directed the respective state and UT governments to ensure that the instructions are complied with.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Good to see clear guidelines. The inclusion of workers employed outside their constituency is crucial for migrant labor. Implementation is key now – hope state governments are proactive.
P
Priyanka N
A welcome move, but will private companies actually follow this? In many IT companies in Bengaluru, they expect you to apply for leave to vote. The penalty clause needs to be strict and well-publicized.
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Vikram M
Finally! This should have been enforced more strictly long back. Democracy only works when every citizen can vote without fear or financial loss. Respect to ECI for this notification.
A
Anjali F
As a teacher in Kerala, our college is closed on polling day. It's good that the rule applies to all establishments. Hope my brother who works at a private factory in Tamil Nadu also gets his paid holiday. Every vote counts!
D
David E
While the intent is perfect, the practical challenge is monitoring thousands of small shops and businesses. The ECI and state authorities need a simple grievance mechanism for workers to report violations.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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