The Election Commission of India (ECI) has released guidelines for states and union territories preparing for Assembly elections and bypolls to encourage voter participation. The ECI emphasized the provision of a paid holiday to voters on election day and warned employers against violating these rules, which could result in penalties.
Under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, every eligible voter working in any business or establishment must be granted a paid holiday on polling day. Employers are prohibited from deducting wages for this holiday, as stated by the ECI.
States like Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Puducherry are gearing up for Assembly elections, while by-elections will take place in various constituencies across Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Nagaland, and Tripura. Public holidays have been declared in these states to ensure smooth voting processes.
The ECI reiterated that any employer failing to provide a paid holiday on election day will face fines. Additionally, all voters, including daily wage and casual workers, are entitled to this benefit. Even voters registered in a different constituency but working outside it can avail themselves of a paid holiday to cast their votes.
The ECI has instructed state and union territory governments to enforce these guidelines effectively to facilitate voter turnout.
