Big Update: Paid Holiday Declared on January 15 for Voting in 29 Municipal Corporations including Pune
Big Update: Paid Holiday Declared on January 15 for Voting in 29 Municipal Corporations including Pune
State government move aims to ensure maximum voter participation in upcoming civic polls
In a significant step to encourage voter participation, the Maharashtra government has declared a paid public holiday on Thursday, January 15, 2026, the day polling will be held for municipal corporation elections across the state. The decision applies to voters in 29 municipal corporation areas, including major cities such as Mumbai, Thane, Pune and Navi Mumbai.
The announcement comes in the backdrop of the upcoming civic elections, which the government has described as a key democratic exercise. By declaring a holiday, the administration aims to ensure that no eligible voter is deprived of their right to vote due to work-related constraints.
According to the government notification, the paid holiday will be applicable to employees of government offices, semi-government institutions, public sector undertakings, boards, corporations, banks, commercial establishments and private companies located within the polling areas. Employees’ salaries cannot be deducted for availing this holiday on polling day, as per provisions under Section 135(b) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
In establishments where granting a full-day holiday is not feasible due to operational requirements, employers are mandated to provide a voting concession of at least two to three hours to enable employees to cast their vote.
The concession will benefit voters residing or registered in all 29 municipal corporation limits where elections are scheduled. These include Brihanmumbai (BMC), Thane, Navi Mumbai, Ulhasnagar, Kalyan-Dombivli, Bhiwandi-Nizampur, Mira-Bhayander, Vasai-Virar, Panvel, Nashik, Malegaon, Ahilyanagar, Jalgaon, Dhule, Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Solapur, Kolhapur, Ichalkaranji, Sangli-Miraj-Kupwad, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nanded-Waghala, Parbhani, Jalna, Latur, Amravati, Akola, Nagpur and Chandrapur.
The notification also clarifies that the holiday will apply to voters working outside their municipal constituency but registered within the polling area, ensuring they are not excluded from the voting process.
The State Election Commission has directed strict compliance with the order. If any private employer or establishment refuses to grant the holiday or the mandated voting concession, the administration has warned of legal action against such entities.
With campaigning entering its final phase, political parties, candidates and citizens are actively engaged across the state. The Election Commission has indicated that administrative preparations, including arrangements for electronic voting machines, are nearing completion.
The state government and election authorities have jointly appealed to voters to take advantage of the holiday and participate actively in what they have termed the “celebration of democracy” by casting their vote on January 15.
