In a bid to increase voter turnout during the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections on November 20, all businesses, establishments, and workplaces within the Brihanmumbai limits have been mandated to grant leave to employees for voting. This directive, issued by the Mumbai district election officer, aims to ensure that every eligible voter in the city has the opportunity to cast their vote without the concern of losing a day’s pay.
The announcement, made by Bhushan Gagrani, the district election officer and Brihanmumbai Municipal Commissioner, emphasizes that any violations of this directive by employers will lead to penalties under the Election Commission’s guidelines. The move comes as part of the district’s efforts to maximize voter participation in the Mumbai Suburban and Mumbai City districts.
Employers across all sectors—including industrial, corporate, and commercial establishments—are required to provide leave to their employees on election day. The guidelines also specify that no wage deductions should be made for the day off granted for voting.
For workplaces where granting a full-day leave is not feasible due to operational requirements, employers are advised to grant at least four hours of leave to allow employees to vote, with prior approval from the district election officer. This provision ensures that employees in all industries can still meet their voting obligations while maintaining their employment duties.
The directive is in accordance with Section 135(B) of the Representation of the People Act, which exempts employees from any penalties if their absence would endanger public safety or disrupt the functioning of an establishment. The goal is to make sure that every employee in Mumbai, regardless of their work schedule, is able to participate in the democratic process.
Bhushan Gagrani’s release urges all employers in Mumbai to adhere strictly to these guidelines, reinforcing that the election is a crucial event and voter participation must be facilitated to maintain a healthy democracy.
Sources By Agencies