The Singhbhum Chamber of Commerce and Industry ( SCCI), the oldest trade outfit of Kolhan region, will write to the office of the deputy labour commissioner of Jamshedpur, demanding it to direct industries and other business houses to give paid leave to the employees on the day of voting.
The voting is scheduled on December 2. A resolution in this regard was passed by SCCI at its executive body meeting held at a holiday resort in Puri. Around 60 members including president of the trade outfit, Suresh Sonthalia took part in the meeting. The trade body has asked the industrial units - big, medium and small scale at Adityapur to also conduct awareness drive to boost polling percentage.
At the meeting, the trade outfit asked its members to grant paid leaves to the employees so that they can exercise their franchise at leisure. A senior functionary said that more than 1,300 small and medium scale industries and nearly 15 big industries should encourage their employees to vote during general election along with their family.
As per section 35 (B) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, any person employed in a factory, industry or commercial establishment should be granted a holiday on the day of voting and no deduction of wages of any such person shall be made on account of the holiday. If an employer contravenes the provision of this section then such employer shall be punishable with fine which may extend to Rs500.