The Labor Commissioner’s Office, Madhya Pradesh, on 26th March, 2024 issued a notification in regards to granting of a paid holiday for such people who are employed, especially those working in business, trade, industrial establishments, and other establishments in the border districts of Madhya Pradesh who are voters of the states of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh.
The dates for the elections for the states of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh are ranging from 18th April, 2024 to 26th June, 2024. There are different phases of elections in different States. The Election Commission has specified that such employed workers should be allowed to vote on the fixed polling day. To facilitate this, employers are instructed to provide paid leave to these workers. This directive ensures that these workers can exercise their democratic right without worrying about losing a day’s wage.
Employers of industrial, commercial establishments, and all other establishments located in the state of Madhya Pradesh are directed to inform all the persons working in their establishments, including casual and daily wage laborers, who are registered voters of the above five states, for the Lok Sabha General Elections 2024. They are to provide paid leave on the polling days determined by the Election Commission, so as to ensure free and fair exercise of their right to vote.
In conclusion, the provision of paid leave for voting is a significant step towards ensuring that every citizen can exercise their democratic right to vote. It highlights the importance of active participation in the democratic process and underscores the role of employers in facilitating this participation.