On February 7, 2025, the Government of Chhattisgarh issued an important notification regarding the grant of paid leave to employees working in factories for the upcoming municipal by-elections and three-tier panchayat elections. The elections are scheduled for various dates in 2025, and the leave will apply to ensure that all workers, regardless of their employment status, are able to cast their votes.
Key Details of the Notification:
Election Dates:
- Mayor/Chairman and Councilor Elections: The voting will take place on 11 February 2025 (Tuesday).
- Three-Tier Panchayat Elections: The voting will be held on the following dates:
- 17 February 2025 (Monday)
- 20 February 2025 (Thursday)
- 23 February 2025 (Sunday)
These elections are for various posts, including Mayor/Chairman, Councilors, and Panchayat Members at the district, Janpad, and village levels.
Paid Leave for Workers:
- As per the guidelines issued by the Chhattisgarh State Election Commission, under Section 135 B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the State Government has declared a paid holiday on the polling days for employees working in factories and institutions governed by the Factories Act, 1948 and the Chhattisgarh Shops and Establishments Act, 1953.
- Dates of Paid Leave: The paid leave will be granted on 11 February, 17 February, 20 February, and 23 February 2025, corresponding to the dates of voting in the relevant constituencies.
Special Provisions for Continuous Factories:
- In factories that operate seven days a week, workers in the first and second shifts will be granted a 2-hour leave to cast their vote on the election day.
- In factories operating on a continuous process (such as manufacturing plants), workers will be allowed to vote in turns to ensure that the production process continues while still enabling all workers to participate in the elections.
Eligibility for Leave:
- This facility applies to all workers, including daily wage earners and casual workers, ensuring that every employee, irrespective of their employment status, has the right to cast their vote.
This step taken by the Chhattisgarh Government highlights its commitment to ensuring that workers in factories and institutions have the opportunity to participate in the democratic process, without facing any work-related constraints. By granting paid leave, the government aims to support workers in fulfilling their civic duty without financial loss.
Additionally, the provision of turn-based voting for workers in continuous-process factories and the 2-hour voting window for those working in factories operating seven days a week further demonstrates the government’s effort to balance work schedules with the right to vote.
