Maharashtra Elections 2024: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) of Maharashtra has announced paid leave for all employees on November 20 to vote in the Maharashtra Assembly elections. Companies not following this will be fined. Officials said this will promote democratic participation
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has ordered that all employees working at businesses, establishments and other workplaces in Mumbai will be given paid leave to vote in the Maharashtra Assembly elections on November 20. The decision is aimed at ensuring maximum voter participation in the upcoming state elections. Brihanmumbai Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani has announced that all employees in Mumbai will get a holiday on November 20, the day of the Maharashtra Assembly elections.
He said this includes employees from all sectors, whether employed in industrial, commercial or service-based establishments. In line with the Election Commission’s directions, this rule applies to all businesses, industrial undertakings, corporations and institutions operating in the Greater Mumbai area. Gagrani stressed that any violation of this directive will attract action against the companies rather than the employees. He said this order has been given to ensure that employees are not penalised for exercising their right to vote.
There will be no reduction in salary
The district election officer’s order also clarifies that employees’ salaries will not be deducted for taking leave to vote. Companies violating this directive will be subject to penalties as per the Election Commission’s guidelines, ensuring that employees can participate in the election process without fear of financial repercussions. The order states, “Every person engaged in any business, trade, industrial undertaking or any other establishment in the polling area where the election is being held has the right to vote in the State Assembly election. Leave will be granted on the day of polling i.e. Wednesday, November 20, 2024.”
The order includes provisions for flexibility for employees facing urgent or exceptional circumstances in emergency situations. In these cases employees must be given at least four hours to cast their vote, subject to prior approval from the District Election Officer. This ensures that critical services continue without disruption, while also respecting employees’ rights to participate in the democratic process.
