In a move to support voter participation across state borders, the Tamil Nadu government has mandated employers to provide paid leave not only on the state’s polling day but also for employees registered as voters in neighboring states. Tamil Nadu is set for polls on April 23, declared a public holiday. The directive clarifies arrangements for residents working or living in Tamil Nadu but registered to vote in Kerala or Puducherry, where polling is scheduled earlier on April 9.
This initiative stems from a directive by Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik. The state’s Labour Welfare and Skill Development Department Secretary, K. Veera Raghava Rao, issued detailed instructions on March 24, citing provisions under the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Employers in various sectors, including IT and BPO firms, are advised to grant a paid holiday on April 23 for employees to cast their votes in Tamil Nadu.
The directive also covers cross-border voters, ensuring employees residing in Tamil Nadu but registered to vote in Kerala or Puducherry receive paid leave on April 9. This provision aims to enable them to participate in elections in their home constituencies without financial loss. Given Tamil Nadu’s proximity to neighboring states, the instructions are crucial, with nine districts sharing borders with Kerala and five with Puducherry.
To facilitate effective implementation, the government has directed the establishment of state- and district-level control rooms. Authorities are tasked with promoting these provisions widely to ensure both employers and employees understand their rights and duties. This decision aligns with a similar request from Kerala’s election authorities, emphasizing coordinated efforts to enhance voter turnout.
Under Section 135-B of the Representation of the People Act, eligible voters employed in any establishment are entitled to a paid holiday on polling day without wage deductions, except in cases of significant operational risk. The directive is expected to benefit numerous migrant workers, students, and professionals in the region, promoting universal electoral participation.
