Himachal Declares Paid Holidays to Help Voters Participate in Panchayat Polls

To encourage maximum voter participation in the upcoming Panchayati Raj elections, the Himachal Pradesh government has announced paid holidays on polling days in the respective areas. Offices, schools, and commercial establishments will remain closed on May 26, 28, and 30 where voting is scheduled.

According to a notification issued by the General Administration Department, all government offices, boards, corporations, educational institutions, industrial units, shops, and other commercial establishments under the jurisdiction of Panchayati Raj institutions will observe these closures. The move is aimed at ensuring that citizens can exercise their right to vote without worrying about work commitments.

In a worker-friendly step, the government has also extended paid leave benefits to daily wage workers. Officials said this measure is intended to prevent wage loss and protect the voting rights of those in informal employment. The provision has been aligned with standards under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, to ensure wider applicability.

However, elections will not be held in some Panchayats during this phase. Karjan and Soyal Panchayats in the Naggar development block of Kullu district, and Jaban and Namhog Panchayats in the Ani development block, have been excluded from the current polling schedule.

The government has also made arrangements for employees posted away from their home Panchayats. Such employees may be granted Special Casual Leave if they are registered voters elsewhere. To avail of this benefit, they must submit a certificate from the Presiding Officer confirming that they have cast their vote.

Officials said the overall objective of these measures is to remove barriers to voting and strengthen grassroots democracy across the state.