Thiruvananthapuram: The Election Commission (EC) on Friday announced a paid holiday for every eligible voter employed in any business, trade, or establishment ahead of Kerala's Assembly elections on April 9.
The directive aligns with the Representation of the People Act, 1951. "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. All daily wage and casual workers are also entitled to a paid holiday on polling day," the EC stated. It extends to all daily wage and casual workers.
Electors working outside their polling constituency but registered in Kerala also qualify for the holiday to vote freely.
The EC has instructed all state and Union Territory governments to enforce strict compliance, ensuring smooth access to the ballot for every citizen.
(Inputs from PTI)