November 20 Declared Holiday for Polling Across All Industries Department Establishments

Mumbai : The Industries, Energy, Labor, and Mines Department has declared a holiday for all establishments under its jurisdiction on November 20, 2024, to facilitate voting in the upcoming Assembly elections.

As per Section 135(b) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, every individual employed in any profession, trade, industrial undertaking, or establishment in a polling area is entitled to a holiday on polling day. This provision applies to all industrial groups, corporations, companies, institutions, and establishments under the Industries Department. Additionally, no deductions will be made from the pay of employees granted leave for voting purposes.

If, in exceptional cases, a full day’s leave cannot be provided, establishments may offer at least a two-hour concession for employees to vote, but only with prior permission from the relevant Collector and District Election Officer. All establishments are required to ensure at least two hours’ voting leave, failing which action will be taken.

The Industries Department has emphasized in a circular that compliance with these instructions is mandatory. Should employees report not receiving the necessary leave or time to vote, appropriate action will be taken against the offending establishments.