DECLARE OCT 15 A PAID HOLIDAY, EMPLOYERS TOLD

MUMBAI: The Mumbai city district election office on Monday directed all public and private sector employers to declare a paid holiday on Wednesday, which is polling day.

A notification to this effect was issued on October 10 by the industries, labour and energy departments of the state government, Mumbai city district election officer, A Shaila, said on Monday.

This directive followed an order issued earlier by the Election Commission of India on September 24 instructing the announcement of a paid holiday on the day of voting.

Section 135 B of The Representation of The People Act, 1951, states that every person employed in any business, trade, industrial undertaking or any other establishment and entitled to vote be granted a holiday on the day of polling without any deduction or abatement of wages.

“According to this order, a paid holiday should be granted to all employees working in all sectors and their salary should not be cut. Action will be taken against employees who violate this,” said Shaila A, city district election officer.

The Act states employers can be punishable with a fine of Rs500 if found in violation. However, the provisions don’t apply to “any elector whose absence may cause danger or substantial loss in respect of employment in which he is engaged”.

Taking other measures to encourage voters to cast their vote, the city district election office will telecast two short voter awareness videos on TV