Paid leave or two-hour recess for office & factory staff on Voting Day: Mumbai District Collector

Ahead of Maharashtra's Lok Sabha elections, Mumbai Suburban District Collector Rajesh Kshirsagar, has issued a stern warning to offices and factories. Also, the returning officer, Kshirsagar emphasised that establishments need to grant a paid holiday or a two-hour recess to its staff on voting day, May 20. Failing to comply, the institutions will face repercussions.

The notice specifies that if unable to provide a full-day holiday, entities must allow a two-hour break with official permission. Non-compliance will result in swift action following complaints. This initiative by the state government aims to boost voter turnout on polling day. Previous elections revealed a trend where employers failed to grant leave, thereby impacting voter participation.

The decree, applicable to institutions under the jurisdiction of Labour law, aligns with Maharashtra's general elections, spanning five phases from April 19 to May 20. However, this ruling does not apply to services deemed special or essential.