Announce holiday on voting day: Election Commission to state

The State Election Commission (SEC) has directed the state authorities to announce a holiday on the voting day of the zilla parishad and municipal corporation elections to be held on February 7 and 16 respectively.

The commission has made it compulsory for corporate houses, private establishments like hotels and malls to give paid leave to the employees on the day. General administrative department of the state government initiate the process in the commissionerate areas whereas the district collectors have powers to announce the local holiday in zilla parishad and punchayat samitee (PS) elections.

The commission has also cited a circular issued by the labour and industries department in May 2010 and said that the private establishments and corporate houses also are needed to announce paid holiday on the day of voting. The circular issued had clearly stated that as per section 135-B of The Representation of the People Act 1951, it is compulsory for shops, establishments, residential hotels, hotels, theatres, industrial undertakings to announce a paid holiday for the employees.

The circular stated that the establishments violating the orders will face the action.