ECI Declares Paid Holiday for All Employees on Polling Days

• The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced a paid holiday for all employees, including daily wage and casual workers, on polling days for upcoming General Elections and bye-elections.
• This entitlement is mandated by Section 135B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, ensuring all eligible voters employed in various establishments receive a paid day off.
• The announcement covers elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and bye-elections in eight Assembly Constituencies across Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Nagaland, and Tripura.
• Polling dates are April 9 for several states, April 23 for others, and April 23 (Phase I) and April 29 (Phase II) for West Bengal.
• Wages will not be deducted for the holiday, and employers violating this provision will face fines; the ECI has directed strict compliance from all State and UT governments.

Key Questions Answered

How will this paid holiday impact voter turnout?

The paid holiday on polling days is intended to enable voters to exercise their franchise and ensure no deduction of wages for employees.

What are the penalties for employers who violate this rule?

Employers who fail to provide employees with adequate time off to vote will face legal action.

Will this policy apply to all future elections?

The policy of granting a paid holiday on polling days applies to upcoming General Elections and bye-elections this month.