The Election Commission on Saturday said voters in Bihar are entitled to paid leave on polling days and employers violating this legal provision can be fined.
It said voters in eight assembly constituencies in different states, where by-elections are being held on November 11, are also entitled to paid leave.
Citing legal provisions, the Election Commission said, “In accordance with Section 135B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, every person employed in any business, trade, industrial undertaking or any other establishment, and entitled to vote at an election to the Lok Sabha or to the Legislative Assembly of any State/Union Territory, shall be granted paid leave on the day of poll.” The Election Commission underlined that there will be no cut in salary due to such paid leave.
It warns that, “Any employer who contravenes these provisions will be liable to a penalty.”
It said all daily wage earners and casual employees are also entitled to paid leave on election day.
The Commission said that such voters, including casual and daily wage workers, who work or are employed in industrial or commercial establishments located outside their constituency but are registered as voters in the polling constituency, will also be entitled to the benefit of paid holiday on the election day, so that they can cast their vote.
The Election Commission has asked the concerned states to issue necessary instructions for strict compliance with this provision.
