NEW DELHI – The Election Commission of India (ECI) has officially directed all states and union territories to ensure a paid holiday on polling days for the upcoming 2026 General Elections and bye-elections.
Under Section 135B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, all employees—including daily wage and casual workers—are entitled to a holiday with no deduction in wages to exercise their right to vote.
Polling Schedule & Coverage:
The mandate applies to the General Elections in five states/UTs and bye-elections across six others:
| Poll Date | States / UTs Affected |
| April 09, 2026 | Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Goa, Karnataka, Nagaland, and Tripura |
| April 23, 2026 | Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and West Bengal (Phase I) |
| April 29, 2026 | West Bengal (Phase II) |
Key Protections for Workers:
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Mandatory Compliance: Every person employed in business, trade, industrial undertakings, or any other establishment is entitled to a paid holiday.
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No Wage Deductions: Employers are strictly prohibited from deducting wages for the holiday. Violators will be liable for a fine.
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Out-of-Station Voters: The ECI clarified that workers employed in areas outside their voting constituency are also entitled to the paid holiday if their registered constituency is going to the polls.
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Inclusion of Casual Labor: The benefit explicitly covers daily wage and casual workers, ensuring that the most vulnerable sections of the workforce can vote without financial loss.
Government Directive
The Commission has instructed all State and UT governments to issue immediate orders to commercial and industrial establishments. The move is designed to ensure a high voter turnout and allow every eligible citizen to exercise their franchise freely and conveniently.
