Bihar Mandates Paid Holiday for Private Sector on Election Day 2024: A Boost for Voter Participation

In a significant move to uphold democratic principles and ensure maximum voter participation, the Bihar government has officially declared a mandatory paid holiday for all employees working in the private sector on the day of the upcoming Lok Sabha General Election 2024. This crucial directive, issued by the state's Labour Resources Department, underscores the government's commitment to facilitating every citizen's right to vote without suffering any loss of pay or livelihood.

The notification explicitly states that all factories, industries, businesses, and various other establishments operating within the geographical limits of Bihar are bound by this order.

The primary objective is to grant employees the necessary time and opportunity to exercise their invaluable franchise, contributing actively to the nation's democratic process. This ensures that no individual is disenfranchised due to work commitments on election day.

This decisive action by the Bihar government is firmly rooted in the provisions of Section 135B of the esteemed Representation of the People Act, 1951.

This particular section of the Act mandates that every person employed in any business, trade, industrial undertaking, or any other establishment, who is a registered voter, must be granted a paid holiday on the day of an election. This legal framework serves as a powerful instrument to protect and promote the voting rights of the working population.

Furthermore, the directive extends its reach beyond the state's borders.

It stipulates that employees who are registered voters in Bihar but are currently working outside the state in any factory, industry, business, or establishment are also entitled to a paid holiday. This provision applies specifically if the election day for their constituency in Bihar falls on a working day in their place of employment.

This thoughtful inclusion ensures that even Bihar's diaspora of workers can participate in their home state's electoral process, reinforcing the inclusivity of the democratic exercise.

The notification from the Labour Resources Department also clearly outlines the consequences of non-compliance.

Any employer, manager, or person responsible for an establishment found to be in violation of this order faces stringent penalties. The law prescribes imprisonment for a term that may extend up to three months, or a fine which may amount to one thousand rupees, or both. This strict enforcement mechanism is designed to deter any attempts to obstruct employees from fulfilling their civic duty and to ensure universal adherence to the mandate.

By implementing this comprehensive paid holiday policy, the Bihar government is not just issuing a directive; it is sending a strong message about the sanctity of democratic participation.

It ensures that economic activity does not impede civic responsibility, fostering an environment where every vote counts and every voice can be heard. This move is expected to significantly boost voter turnout and further strengthen the foundations of democracy in the state.