ECI Declares Paid Holiday for Bihar Polling Days
Commission directs strict compliance to ensure every voter can cast their ballot freely and conveniently
GG News Bureau
Patna, 18th Oct: The Election Commission of India has issued a directive announcing paid holidays for all eligible voters on polling days for the Bihar Legislative Assembly Elections 2025 and bye-elections in eight Assembly constituencies.
According to the schedule, polling will take place on November 6, 2025 (Thursday) for Phase I, and on November 11, 2025 (Tuesday) for Phase II, which also covers the bye-elections.
As per Section 135B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, every employee working in any business, trade, industrial undertaking, or establishment, and entitled to vote, must be granted a paid holiday on the day of poll. No deduction of wages shall be made, and any employer violating the provision shall be liable to a fine.
The directive extends to daily wage and casual workers, ensuring their right to a paid leave for voting. Furthermore, employees working outside their registered constituencies are also entitled to a paid holiday to enable them to cast their votes.
The Commission has instructed all State and Union Territory governments to issue necessary orders for strict compliance, reaffirming its commitment to ensure that every elector can exercise their democratic right freely and conveniently.
