Election Commission directs employers to grant paid leave to all eligible voters, including daily wage workers
TFP Bureau, New Delhi, April 3, 2026: The Election Commission of India has announced that all eligible voters employed in businesses, industries and other establishments will be entitled to a paid holiday on the day of polling during the upcoming legislative assembly elections and by-elections scheduled in April 2026.
According to an official statement issued by the Press Information Bureau, the Commission had earlier announced on March 15 the schedule for general elections to the legislative assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, along with by-elections to eight assembly constituencies in Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Nagaland and Tripura.
As per the notified schedule, polling in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Goa, Karnataka, Nagaland and Tripura will be held on April 9, 2026. Elections in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Maharashtra will take place on April 23, 2026. Polling in West Bengal will be conducted in two phases, with the first phase on April 23 and the second phase on April 29, 2026.
The Commission stated that under Section 135B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, every person employed in any business, trade, industrial undertaking or other establishment and who is entitled to vote in the elections must be granted a paid holiday on the day of polling. The provision aims to ensure that voters are able to exercise their democratic right without facing any work-related constraints.
Officials clarified that employers are prohibited from deducting wages from employees for availing the polling day holiday. Any employer found violating these provisions will be liable to pay a fine under the law.
The Commission has also emphasized that daily wage earners and casual workers are equally entitled to this benefit. The paid holiday provision will apply to them as well to ensure that they do not lose their wages while exercising their right to vote.
In addition, the Commission has clarified that voters who are employed in industrial or commercial establishments located outside their registered constituency will also be eligible for a paid holiday on polling day. This measure is intended to enable such electors to travel to their constituencies and cast their votes.
The Election Commission has directed all State and Union Territory governments to issue necessary instructions to employers and concerned authorities to strictly implement these provisions. The directive aims to facilitate free and convenient participation of voters in the electoral process and to strengthen democratic participation across the country.
Authorities have also urged employers, institutions and industrial establishments to cooperate fully with election officials and ensure that no voter is deprived of the opportunity to cast their ballot due to work obligations.
