General Holiday Declared for Voting in Chhattisgarh Assembly Elections
TFP Bureau, Raipur; Nov 4, 2023: A general holiday has been announced for the respective assembly constituencies during the two phases of voting for the Chhattisgarh Assembly General Election-2023. The Chhattisgarh General Administration Department has issued an order to declare a general holiday in all government offices and institutions on November 7, 2023, for the first phase involving 20 assembly constituencies, and on November 17, 2023, for the second phase with 70 assembly constituencies. The directive extends to offices and institutions governed by the Negotiable Instruments Act of 1881.
Moreover, instructions have been released to grant paid leave to officers and employees in private institutions, industrial, and commercial establishments on polling days, following guidelines by the Election Commission.
The Labor Department, adhering to the Commission’s guidance, has issued an order under Section 135(B) of the Public Representation Act 151, mandating that industrial, commercial, and other entities in every constituency ensure employees are granted paid leave to participate in the Assembly elections.
In neighboring states such as Madhya Pradesh and Telangana, the voting dates of November 17 and November 30 have also been marked as paid holidays for individuals working in private and public establishments, shops, industrial undertakings, or businesses in Chhattisgarh. Failure to comply with the order could result in punitive action against the employer. The directive also extends the right to leave for employees registered in other constituencies.
The order emphasizes that factories operating seven days a week should grant a two-hour holiday to first and second shift workers on voting day or facilitate staggered voting arrangements. It also highlights that all workers, including daily wage earners or casual workers, should have the opportunity to vote.
