New Delhi, April 3 – The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday laid down guidelines for states/UTs holding assembly elections as well as by-elections in the coming days, to facilitate maximum voter participation in the electoral process.
The election body, in a detailed statement, elaborated on provisions for providing paid holidays to electors on the voting day in respective states. It has also cautioned employers against any violations, stating that any attempt to circumvent the instructions will invite a penalty.
Citing 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 State/UT or to a bye-election to a PC/AC shall be granted a paid holiday on the day of poll.”
“No deduction from wages shall be made on account of such a paid holiday,” it added.
Notably, four states and one union territory – 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 go to the polls on April 9, Tamil Nadu on April 23, while West Bengal will have two-phased elections on April 23 and 29.
The respective state governments have already announced public holidays on the polling day to facilitate smooth elections. All government offices, institutions, and colleges will remain closed in these states.
Reiterating the provisions for paid holidays 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.”
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 compliance with these instructions.
