Thiruvananthapuram: In an effort to ensure maximum voter participation in the upcoming local body elections, authorities have decided to provide paid leave to employees across a wide range of sectors, including the IT industry, private firms, and institutions governed by the Shops and Commercial Establishment Act.
According to the latest directive, not only regular staff but also daily wage workers and casual employees must be granted paid leave on the specific day they are required to cast their vote. Officials emphasized that no employee should be denied the opportunity to participate in the democratic process due to work obligations.
A public holiday has been declared for all government offices and educational institutions in districts scheduled for polling on December 9 namely Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, and Ernakulam.
Similarly, the remaining districts Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod will observe a holiday on December 11, coinciding with their polling date.
The decision aims to facilitate smooth polling and encourage citizens to exercise their voting rights without any inconvenience.