Assembly elections are going to be held in Bihar next month and preparations for this have intensified. Meanwhile, the Election Commission has made an important announcement for the voters. The Commission has clearly said that all voters will get the right to paid leave on the day of voting. That means if you are eligible to vote, your salary will not be deducted on that day.
When will Bihar Assembly elections 2025 be held?
This time voting is to be held in two phases in Bihar. The Commission has announced that Bihar Assembly elections will be held in two phases on November 6 and November 11. Along with this, counting of votes will be done on November 14.
Will schools, banks and offices remain closed?
On the day of voting, government institutions like schools, colleges, banks and government offices usually remain closed because the employees there are involved in election work or go to vote. At the same time, private offices and factories will also have to give leave to their employees. If it is not possible to close an organization completely, then it would be necessary to at least give time to the employees to cast their vote on a shift basis.
Who will get paid leave on voting day?
Citing Section 135B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the Election Commission has said that any person working in any business, industry, trade, office or private establishment will have to be given leave on the day of voting. This holiday is called ‘paid holiday’, that is, no deduction can be made in the salary despite not going to work on this day. The Commission also said that daily wage labourers, contract or temporary employees are also eligible for this right. All of them should get full opportunity to vote.
Action against employer for breaking rules
The Commission has strictly warned that any employer who does not follow this legal provision will be fined. Voting is a right of democracy, therefore no person can be stopped from voting.