Maharashtra Assembly Elections: Pune Collector Ensures Voting Leave for Workers
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Dr. Suhas Diwase, the Pune District Collector and District Election Officer, has stated that the Maharashtra State Government has provided sufficient leave for all officers, employees, and workers in establishments under the Industries, Energy, and Labour Department on polling day, November 20, 2024, to ensure they can participate in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Elections.
As per a circular from the Department of Industries, Energy, and Labour, it has been made clear that workers, officials, and employees who are voters in the polling area must be given adequate leave to cast their votes, even if they are employed outside their own constituencies.
This policy applies to all types of establishments, including factories, shops, private offices, hotels, restaurants, theaters, industrial enterprises, IT companies, shopping centers, malls, and retailers, with existing discounts still in effect. In special cases where giving a full day off is not feasible, workers, including officials and employees, may be granted a concession of two to three hours instead of a full day to vote. However, prior approval must be obtained from the relevant Collector and District Election Officer. Regardless, the institutions must ensure that voters are provided with at least two to three hours of sufficient time to cast their votes.
According to Section 135 (b) of the Representation of the People Act of 1951, voters are typically allowed adequate leave or concessions during working hours on polling days to ensure they can vote. However, it has been noted that some organizations are not providing enough leave or concessions. Consequently, this order has been issued, clarifying that appropriate measures will be taken against those establishments if complaints are received about voters being unable to vote due to insufficient leave or concessions.
