Maharashtra declares paid holiday on December 2 for voting in civic council, nagar panchayat polls

The Hindu
The Hindu
7h ago 4 views
Maharashtra has announced a paid holiday on December 2, 2025, for employees to vote in municipal council and nagar panchayat elections. This aims to ensure all eligible voters can participate in the elections.
Maharashtra declares paid holiday on December 2 for voting in civic council, nagar panchayat polls
A What happened
On November 28, 2025, the Maharashtra Government issued a directive declaring a paid holiday on December 2, 2025, for employees to vote in the upcoming municipal council and nagar panchayat elections. This holiday applies to all workers, employees, and officers who are voters in the polling areas, regardless of their workplace location. The decision aims to ensure that all eligible citizens can participate in the elections, addressing past issues where some establishments did not provide paid leave. The directive is in line with the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which requires paid leave for voters on polling day. Employers in various sectors, including factories and IT companies, must comply, and those providing essential services must offer special leave if a full holiday is not possible. The government has warned that non-compliance could lead to action if complaints arise.

Key insights

  • 1

    Paid holiday for voting

    Employees in Maharashtra can take paid leave to vote.

  • 2

    Compliance with election laws

    The directive aligns with the Representation of the People Act.

  • 3

    Action against non-compliance

    Employers failing to grant leave may face penalties.

Takeaways

The paid holiday initiative by the Maharashtra Government is a significant step to enhance voter participation in local elections, ensuring that all eligible citizens can exercise their democratic rights without workplace barriers.

Topics

Politics & World Elections Culture Society