Ahead of the local body elections on April 26, authorities have instructed employers to provide paid leave to workers so they can exercise their voting rights. The directive applies to employees in all registered shops and establishments across the state.
According to a circular issued by the Labour Commissioner, even if polling day falls on a weekly holiday, employers must make suitable arrangements to ensure that all eligible workers are able to vote.Polling will be held on Sunday, April 26, from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM for elections to 15 municipal corporations, 48 municipalities, 34 district panchayats, and 250 taluka panchayats. By-elections for 13 vacant seats in 11 municipalities will also take place on the same day.
Employees working under the Gujarat Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 2019, must be given time off to vote.
Employers are required to grant at least three hours of paid leave on polling day. If April 26 is a weekly off, establishments should remain open on another day and ensure workers still receive leave to cast their votes.