To encourage voter participation in the upcoming Assembly Elections 2024, the District Election Officer of East Singhbhum,  Ananya Mittal, has issued an official order granting paid leave on polling day to all employees in both government and private sectors. This directive aligns with the Election Commission of India’s mandate to ensure maximum voter turnout, emphasizing the importance of democratic participation across the workforce.

In response, over 90 private companies and industrial establishments have promptly submitted their consent letters, committing to follow the directive. Prominent among these are industry giants like Tata Steel Ltd., Tata Motors Ltd., Tata Cummins, UCIL, Steel Strip Wheel, Linde India, and Nuvoco Vistas Corporation. Additional companies including Nelson Global Product Ltd., Shah Sponge and Power Ltd., Imperial Auto Industries, Baijnath Sharma Rice Mill, Ramada Hotel, Maa Shakambari Global Food, and several others have also pledged their support. This broad compliance from the private sector reinforces a collective commitment to democratic values and underscores the district’s dedication to upholding election integrity.

The order issued by the District Election Officer draws on Section 135(b) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which mandates that every eligible voter employed in any business, profession, industrial establishment, or other workplace must be granted a holiday on polling day. Under this law, employers are not permitted to make wage deductions due to the holiday. Additionally, employees who are not normally compensated for a non-working day will still receive wages for the polling day, ensuring that no worker is financially disadvantaged by taking time off to vote.

In a statement regarding the order, District Election Officer Mittal emphasized that the purpose of paid leave is to enable employees to exercise their voting rights without hesitation. “It is crucial that every eligible voter feels supported in their duty to vote,” Mittal said, “and with the cooperation of the private sector, we can achieve a high voter turnout and uphold our democratic values.”

The directive also sets strict consequences for non-compliance. Employers who fail to grant polling-day leave or who reduce employees’ wages as a result may face fines of up to five hundred rupees. This clause serves as a deterrent, reinforcing that any attempts to prevent employees from participating in the election process will not be tolerated. However, the act does provide an exemption for employees whose absence could pose a risk or significant loss in their particular line of work.

Moreover, in a gesture of support for civic duty, all government offices and public establishments across East Singhbhum will remain closed on November 13, 2024, which is the designated polling day for the Assembly Elections. This closure further signals the administration’s commitment to making voting accessible to everyone, encouraging every citizen to take part in the electoral process without hindrance.

The proactive involvement of companies across East Singhbhum in promoting voter participation has received positive feedback from the community. “Seeing so many companies come together to support their employees’ right to vote shows the strength of our community’s commitment to democracy,” commented a local voter. “It’s encouraging to know that our workplaces are backing our right to vote, and it’s a reminder of how valuable each vote truly is.”

Hotline to report election bribery and threats

In light of Assembly Election 2024, the District administration has intensified its efforts to combat electoral malpractice, keeping a vigilant eye on any misuse of money or intimidation tactics during the election process. To ensure a fair and transparent election, the authorities have provided the public with dedicated phone lines to report any such incidents, guaranteeing swift and decisive action.

In accordance with Section 171B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), any individual found offering or accepting any form of gratification, whether cash or kind, to sway voter behavior, faces a possible sentence of up to one year in prison, a fine, or both. This strict regulation is complemented by Section 171C of the IPC, which penalizes those who attempt to intimidate or threaten candidates, voters, or anyone involved in the election, also with imprisonment up to one year, a fine, or both.

Citizens can lodge complaints by calling the District Control Room at the following numbers: 0657-2440111, 0657-2221717 and 0657-2221718.