New Delhi, Oct 18 (UNI) The Election Commission of India today announced that polling days for the Bihar Legislative Assembly elections and bye-elections across eight Assembly Constituencies in seven states will be observed as paid holidays.
This move aims to remove work-related barriers and encourage maximum voter turnout. The Bihar Assembly elections will be held in two phases: Phase-I on November 6 (Thursday) and Phase-II on November 11 (Tuesday). The bye-elections for the eight Assembly Constituencies are also scheduled for November 11.
According to a press release from the ECI, “Under Section 135B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, every employee entitled to vote must be granted a paid holiday on the day of polling.”
The Commission stressed that no wages should be deducted for this holiday, and employers who violate this rule may face penalties.
The provision extends to daily wage and casual workers, ensuring informal sector employees can vote without financial loss.
The ECI also clarified that voters registered in constituencies going to polls, but employed outside those areas in industrial or commercial establishments, are equally entitled to paid leave to facilitate their voting. To ensure effective implementation, the Commission has directed all State and union Territory governments to instruct employers and officials to strictly comply with these provisions.
The ECI reiterated its commitment to safeguarding every eligible voter’s right to cast their vote freely and conveniently. This directive underscores the Election Commission’s continuous efforts to strengthen democratic participation and uphold voting as a fundamental right in India’s electoral process.
