Kerala polls: EC mandates paid holiday for voters on Apr 9, warns of action against erring employers

Thiruvananthapuram: The Election Commission of India on Friday declared that all eligible voters working in any business, trade, or establishment will be given a paid holiday on polling day, April 9, for the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections.

The EC said the decision is in line with provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

"No deduction of wages shall be made on account of such a paid holiday. Any employer who contravenes these provisions shall be liable to a fine. All daily wage and casual workers are also entitled to a paid holiday on polling day," it stated.

The Commission also clarified that voters employed in industrial or commercial establishments outside their constituency, but registered to vote in a constituency going to polls, will be entitled to paid leave to cast their vote.

It has directed all state and union territory governments to ensure strict implementation of these provisions and to make it easier for voters to exercise their franchise without difficulty.