Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 3 (UNI) The Kerala government has declared a two-day public holiday across the state in connection with the local body elections on December 9 and 11, ensuring that voters,from government employees to private sector workers, are able to participate in the polling process.
All government offices and educational institutions will remain closed on the respective polling days. Private-sector commercial and industrial establishments have also been instructed to grant paid leave to their employees.
According to the official notification, December 9 will be a public holiday in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, and Ernakulam districts.
December 11 will be a public holiday in the districts of Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod.
Government employees who are voters in a district where polling is held, but are working in another district where no holiday has been declared, will be eligible for special leave. They may avail other eligible leave options under the SPARK system (excluding Casual Leave, Commuted Leave, and Earned Leave) upon submitting proof of inclusion in the electoral roll.
The government has further instructed that private-sector employees should be granted a full day of paid leave on the day of voting, as mandated under the Kerala Panchayat Raj Act and the Kerala Municipality Act. The Labour Commissioner has been directed to ensure strict compliance in IT companies, factories, shops, and all other private institutions.
Daily-wage and casual workers who are voters in the polling district, but reside or work in another district, will also be entitled to paid leave to exercise their franchise.
Kerala declares two-day public holiday for local body elections
