Mumbai: With voting for 29 municipal corporations scheduled on January 15, the Maharashtra government has stepped in to safeguard employees’ voting rights by issuing a firm directive to employers across sectors. The state’s Industries and Labour Department has made it compulsory for workplaces to ensure that every eligible employee gets adequate time off to participate in the civic elections.
According to a government circular released on Tuesday, establishments are required to provide a full day of paid leave to employees on polling day. The order aims to eliminate workplace-related barriers that often prevent workers from exercising their right to vote, particularly in urban and industrial centres.
Recognising that certain sectors cannot afford a complete shutdown, the government has allowed limited flexibility. In cases involving essential services or sensitive operations, employers must still grant a minimum window of two to three hours so that employees can travel to polling booths and cast their vote. However, the department has made it clear that operational challenges will not be accepted as an excuse to deny voting access.
The circular also addresses employees posted outside the municipal corporation where they are registered as voters. Such employees must be given a paid holiday on January 15 to enable them to return to their respective civic areas and take part in the election process.
The directive covers a wide range of private establishments governed under labour laws. This includes shops, commercial complexes, malls, hotels, restaurants, eating houses, theatres, trading and business units, as well as information technology and service-sector firms. Government officials said inspections and complaints will be closely monitored, and violations could invite strict legal action.
State authorities подчерк emphasised that the objective of the order is to boost voter turnout and ensure that democratic participation is not compromised due to workplace pressure or fear of wage loss. In previous elections, low turnout among working professionals and shift-based employees had raised concerns about systemic voter suppression.
