ECI declares paid holiday on polling days for Bihar Assembly elections and seven state by-polls

The Election Commission of India Saturday declared a paid holiday on polling days during the Bihar Legislative Assembly elections and by-elections across eight Assembly constituencies in seven states.

The move is aimed at facilitating maximum voter turnout by allowing employees to exercise their democratic right without work-related hindrances.

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The Bihar Assembly elections are scheduled in two phases: November 6 (Thursday) for Phase-I, and November 11 (Tuesday) for Phase-II. The by-elections for all eight Assembly Constituencies will also be held on November 11.

“Under Section 135B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, every employee entitled to vote in the elections must be granted a paid holiday on polling day,” the poll panel said in a press note. The law mandates that no wages shall be deducted for this holiday, and employers who fail to comply may face fines. This provision also extends to daily wage and casual workers, ensuring that even informal sector employees can vote without financial loss.

The Commission further clarified that voters registered in constituencies where elections are taking place, but employed in industrial or commercial establishments outside those constituencies, are also eligible for a paid holiday on polling day to facilitate voting.

To ensure smooth implementation, the ECI has directed all State and Union Territory governments to issue necessary instructions to employers and relevant authorities for strict adherence to these provisions. The Commission emphasized its commitment to ensuring that every eligible elector can freely and conveniently exercise their franchise.

This directive reflects the ECI’s ongoing efforts to strengthen democratic participation and uphold the right to vote as a fundamental aspect of India’s electoral process.