The Himachal Pradesh government has announced paid public holidays on May 28 and May 30 for the upcoming second and third phases of the state’s panchayat elections.
The decision was issued through an official notification aimed at ensuring maximum voter participation during the rural local body polls.
Government Offices, Schools And Industries To Remain Closed
According to the notification, all state government offices, educational institutions, boards, corporations and industrial establishments will remain shut on both polling days.
The order also covers establishments operating under the Industrial Disputes Act. Authorities said the move has been taken to allow employees and workers to participate in the democratic process without work-related restrictions.
Commercial shops and business establishments located near polling areas under the concerned Panchayati Raj Institutions will also remain closed during voting hours.
Certain Gram Panchayats Exempted From Poll Process
The state government clarified that the holiday order will not apply to some gram panchayats in Kullu district where elections are not being conducted this year.
These include Karjan and Soyal gram panchayats under the Naggar development block, along with Jabana and Namhog gram panchayats in the Anni development block.
Officials stated that elections are not required in these areas because the tenure of the existing local bodies has not yet ended.
Special Leave For Employees Voting Outside Work Districts
The government has also announced provisions for employees working away from their native voting locations within the state.
Such employees may receive special casual leave to cast their vote if they provide official proof from the presiding officer confirming that they participated in the election process.
The administration said the arrangement is intended to encourage broader voter turnout and ensure eligible citizens are able to exercise their voting rights.
Focus On Rural Democratic Participation
The panchayat elections are considered significant for grassroots governance in Himachal Pradesh, with local representatives playing a key role in rural administration and development activities.
