Chennai: Tamil Nadu government has expanded paid leave provisions for voters, ensuring that even those registered outside the state can exercise their franchise without financial burden.

With Tamil Nadu heading to the polls on April 23, the state has already declared the day a public holiday. Now, in a voter-friendly move, authorities have extended similar benefits to employees who live or work in Tamil Nadu but are registered as voters in Kerala or Puducherry, where elections are scheduled earlier on April 9.

The directive comes after guidance from the Chief Electoral Officer, aiming to remove barriers for inter-state voters, a growing demographic in border regions. Employees eligible to vote in Kerala or Puducherry will be granted paid leave on April 9, ensuring they can travel and vote in their respective constituencies without salary deductions.

This decision is particularly significant given Tamil Nadu’s proximity to neighboring regions. Several districts share borders with Kerala and Puducherry, leading to a high number of migrant workers, students, and professionals who are registered voters outside the state.

The Labour Welfare and Skill Development Department has instructed all establishments, including private companies, IT firms, BPOs, factories, and commercial businesses, to comply with the paid leave mandate.

The move is backed by provisions under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which guarantees paid leave to employees on polling days. Employers have been reminded that denying this benefit or deducting wages could violate legal provisions, except in rare cases where absence may cause critical operational disruptions.

Focus on increasing voter turnout

Officials say the initiative is part of a broader push to improve voter turnout and ensure no eligible voter is left out due to work commitments or interstate travel constraints.

To support smooth implementation, the government is setting up state and district-level control rooms and launching awareness campaigns so that both employers and employees understand their rights.

The decision also reflects growing coordination between southern states, following a similar request from election authorities in Kerala. This collaborative approach highlights a shared commitment to making voting more accessible for citizens across borders.