Katewadi: Paid leave is given or in some places work hours are relaxed to exercise their right to vote. However, it has been found that some establishments and institutions are not offering paid leave or discounts.

Therefore, orders have been issued and appropriate action will be taken against the establishments if there is a complaint that they could not vote due to lack of leave or exemption," Dr. Suhas Divase, District Collector, said.

According to Section 135(b) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, voters are generally given leave or a few hours off from work on polling day.

The state government has ordered to give paid leave to the officers, employees and workers of all establishments under the Industries, Energy and Labour Department on november 20, 2024, the polling day so that they can vote in the assembly elections.

According to a circular issued by the Department of Industry, Energy and Labour, workers, officers and employees who are voters in polling areas should be given paid leave to exercise their right to vote even if they are outside the constituency for work.

Holidays, exemptions apply
* Establishments in private companies,
* All shops and other establishments,
- Residential hotels, eateries, other homes, theatres
- Trade, industrial enterprises, technology companies
* Shopping centres, malls, retailers

Discount of two to three hours:
In exceptional circumstances, if it is not possible to give a full day off to workers, officers, employees, etc., then workers in the polling area can be given a discount of two to three hours instead of leave to exercise their right to vote.

However, prior permission of the concerned District Collector and District Election Officer will be required, in any case, the concerned establishments will have to ensure that the voters get at least two to three hours of paid exemption for voting, Suhas Divase said.