Bihar elections 2025: ECI mandates paid holiday for voters on Nov 6 and 11

Patna: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced a paid holiday for employed voters on the two polling days of the Bihar Assembly elections, set for November 6 and November 11, 2025. The ECI has warned employers against deducting wages for staff absence on these dates, citing potential penalties for non-compliance.

According to a circular issued by the ECI, Deputy Director P. Pawan cited Section 135B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which mandates that every employee entitled to vote must be granted a paid holiday on the day of the poll. This applies to employees in businesses, trades, industries, and other establishments, including daily wage and casual workers. The circular emphasises that no wages should be deducted for the holiday. Electors working outside their constituencies but registered as voters in the polling constituency are also entitled to this paid holiday.

The ECI has directed state governments to ensure strict compliance with these provisions, enabling all voters to freely exercise their franchise. The Bihar Assembly election will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11, with by-elections to eight Assembly Constituencies in seven states also scheduled for November 11.

In preparation for the Bihar elections, the ECI recently convened the Multi-Departmental Committee on Election Intelligence (MDCEI) at Nirvachan Sadan, New Delhi. The meeting, chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and attended by senior election officials, focused on tightening vigilance against illegal movement of cash, drugs, liquor, and other inducements during the election campaign. The Commission stressed the need for proactive surveillance and preventive measures to curb electoral malpractices and ensure free and fair elections.

The Bihar Assembly elections will decide 243 Assembly seats, with the first phase covering 121 constituencies voting on November 6 and the remaining 122 constituencies going to the polls on November 11. Vote counting will follow on November 14, 2025.

With inputs from IANS