Maharashtra is slated to hold civic body elections across 246 municipal councils and 42 nagar panchayats on Tuesday. Authorities have declared three consecutive dry days in the poll-bound localities and many businesses will also remain closed for polling. The state government has also announced a paid holiday on December 2 for employees in poll-bound districts to exercise their franchise.
Elections will be held for nearly 700 local bodies over the next two months — including 29 municipal corporations, 32 district councils. The first round of elections will be followed by polls to 336 Panchayat Samitis, 32 Zilla Parishads and 29 municipal corporations — including Mumbai. But the schedule is yet to be announced by the State Election Commission.
According to a government resolution issued on Friday, employees are entitled to a day of paid leave in order to exercise their franchise. Officials noted that some establishments had failed to provide paid time off during previous elections — depriving many people of their voting rights. The policy will apply for all eligible citizens in the districts where voting is slated to commence on December 2. The government has also warned that failure to grant paid leave or adequate time-off will attract action if complaints are received.
What will remain closed on December 2?
The state government has granted a leave to all employees in the poll-bound areas. This will apply even if their workplace is outside the constituency where they are registered to vote. Organisations providing essential or round the clock services must provide at least two to three hours leave in case a full day holiday is not feasible. The decision is likely to affect the timings and availability of various services on Tuesday — although there has been no official notice calling for businesses to shutter their doors.
The rules will apply to all establishments that fall under the Labour Department. This includes factories, various shops, malls and retail outlets,hotels, commercial establishements, IT companies and other workplaces administered by the government.
Is December 2 a dry day in Maharashtra?
According to multiple local media reports, the state has declared three consecutive dry days starting from December 1. This will apply for all polling stations in the state — with all liquor shops remaining closed until votes are counted on December 3.
