State Election Commissioner JS Saharia had two meetings with the Hotel Associations in January to discuss if such steps can be taken to motivate voters.
In order to make it convenient for people to cast their votes, the government has declared February 21 — polling day — a holiday. However, it has been observed that citizens misuse paid leaves given by the government and instead of voting, they enjoy a day trip to nearby hill stations. To avoid this, the State Election Commission and Hotel Associations have decided to offer a 15 to 20 per cent discount for customers who have voted in the upcoming civic elections.
State Election Commissioner JS Saharia had two meetings with the Hotel Associations in January to discuss if such steps can be taken to motivate voters.
"In the latest meeting with the 25-member committee of Hotel Associations of Lonavala-Khandala, we decided to offer 15 per cent discount in restaurants and 20 per cent on lodging," said Subhash Bhugade, election officer of Maval district.
Anil Patodia, President of Matheran Hotel Association, said, "We had a meeting with the State Election Commissioner JS Saharia in January and the decision was taken to with a view of motivating voters."
About 40 hotels in Matheran and 100 hotels in Lonavala and Khandala will provide these discounts to voters across the state sporting ink on their finger as a sign that they have cast their vote in the civic elections. The offer is also applicable to hotels in Mahabaleshwar. The discounts will be applicable from February 21 until February 28. which people can make the most of for next eight days.
"The voter turnout for civic elections is very low in cities. This incentive will motivate them to vote, and for next eight days, they can avail these discounts. We support the government's decision to increase the voter turnout. If people want a better government they have to get out and vote," Anish Ganatra, Director of Hotel Chandralok, Lonavala told DNA.
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