In order to be able to vote in the assembly general elections, the state government has ordered to give ample leave to the officers, employees and workers of all the establishments under the industry, energy and labor department on 20 November 2024 the polling day. District Election Officer and Pune District Collector Dr Suhas Diwase ordered the establishment to abide by the guidelines.

According to the circular of the Department of Industries, Energy and Labor, it has been clarified that workers, officers and employees who are voters in the polling area should be given sufficient leave to exercise their right to vote, even if they are outside the constituencies for work. All establishments, factories, shops coming under the department viz.

This holiday or concession will be applicable to establishments of private companies, all shops and other establishments, residential hotels, eateries, other houses, theaters, trade, industrial undertakings or other establishments as well as information technology companies, shopping centers, malls, retailers and others. In exceptional circumstances, if it is not possible to give a full day off to workers, officers, employees, etc., the workers in the polling area may be given a concession of two to three hours instead of leave to exercise their right to vote, but the prior permission of the concerned Collector and District Election Officer will be required.

It will be necessary for the concerned establishments to ensure that at least two to three hours of ample relaxation is provided for voting. Under Section 135 (b) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, on polling days voters are generally given ample leave or concessions in working hours to enable them to exercise their right to vote. However, it has been found that some establishments, organizations are not giving ample leave or time concession. Therefore, this order has been given and it has also been clarified that appropriate action will be taken against the establishment if there is a complaint about not being able to vote due to non-grant of holiday or concession stated District Collector Dr Suhas Diwase.