2026 elections: ECI declares paid holiday to all employees on poll days
New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday announced that all employees, including casual and daily wage workers, will be entitled to a paid holiday on polling days for the upcoming General Elections and by-elections scheduled this month.
In an official press release, the Commission cited Section 135B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, stating:
"Every person employed in any business, trade, industrial undertaking, or any other establishment, and entitled to vote at an election to the House of the People or to the Legislative Assembly of a State or Union Territory, or at a by-election to a Parliamentary or Assembly Constituency, shall be granted a paid holiday on the day of poll."
States and constituencies covered
The announcement applies to Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, as well as by-elections in eight Assembly constituencies across Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Nagaland, and Tripura.
Polling dates are as follows:
| Name of State/UT going for general elections/ by-elections | Poll Date |
| Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Goa, Karnataka, Nagaland and Tripura | 09.04.2026 |
| Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Maharashtra | 23.04.2026 |
West Bengal | 23.04.2026 (Phase I) |
| 29.04.2026 (Phase II) |
Wages protected, violations penalised
The Commission emphasised that wages must not be deducted on polling days. Employers who violate the rule will face fines. The statement read:
"No deduction of wages shall be made on account of such a paid holiday. Any employer who contravenes these provisions shall be liable to a fine."
The ECI further clarified that electors working in industrial or commercial establishments outside their constituency are also entitled to the paid holiday, provided they are registered voters in a constituency going to the polls. This ensures that all eligible voters can cast their ballots without hindrance.
State governments to ensure compliance
The Commission has directed all State and Union Territory governments to enforce strict compliance.
"Necessary instructions have been issued to concerned authorities to ensure that all electors are able to exercise their franchise freely and conveniently," the release added.
Counting of votes
The results for the Assembly and by-elections are scheduled to be announced on May 4, 2026.
With agency inputs