Pune: Industries Department Mandates Holiday or Two Hours Break on November 20 for Assembly Election Voting

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Reported by Tikam Shekhawat
Pune, 30th October 2024: To ensure that all voters can exercise their right to vote in the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly General Election, the Industries, Energy, Labor, and Mines Department has issued a circular mandating that all establishments under the Industries Department grant their officers, workers, and employees a full holiday or at least two hours of relaxation on polling day, November 20, 2024.

The directive aligns with Section 135(b) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which stipulates that individuals engaged in any business, trade, or industrial undertaking in polling areas where elections are held are entitled to a holiday on polling day.

This provision will apply to all industrial groups, corporations, companies, and institutions under the Industries Department. Notably, no deductions will be made from the pay of any individual granted leave for this purpose.

However, the circular clarifies that this holiday provision will not apply to voters whose absence could pose a risk of danger or significant loss related to their employment.

In cases where it is not feasible to provide a full day off, employers are encouraged to allow workers in the polling area at least two hours of concession to facilitate their voting. Prior permission from the respective District Collector and District Election Officer will be necessary in such circumstances. Establishments are reminded that they must ensure voters receive this minimum concession, as failure to do so may result in action against them, a press release from the department stated.

The circular further emphasizes that if voters lodge complaints regarding their inability to vote due to insufficient leave or concession, appropriate actions will be taken against the concerned establishments.