SRINAGAR, AUG 23: The Jammu and Kashmir government has announced paid holidays on polling days for the upcoming Assembly Elections 2024, as per a government order issued by the General Administration Department (GAD) on Friday. The declaration aims to ensure that all eligible voters can participate in the electoral process across the 90 Assembly Constituencies.
According to the GAD order, the paid holidays will be observed under Section 135 B of the Representation of the People Act 1951. This provision guarantees that no deduction or reduction in wages will occur for employees who are absent from work on election days.
The order stipulates that every eligible voter, regardless of their employment in business, trade, or industry, is entitled to a paid holiday on the day of polling in their respective constituency. Employers are prohibited from deducting wages or making adjustments for this holiday. Should any employer violate these provisions, they could face a fine of up to five hundred rupees.
Furthermore, the order extends the paid holiday provision to daily wage and casual workers, ensuring they too can exercise their right to vote without financial penalty. The holidays will also be observed in accordance with Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881.
Holiday schedule:
Sept 18: The first phase of elections will see a paid holiday in 24 Assembly segments.
Sept 25: The second phase will observe a paid holiday in 26 Assembly Constituencies.
Oct 1: The final phase will grant a paid holiday in 40 Assembly segments.
