Pune Voting Day: Collector orders leave on November 20, hotels volunteer to offer discount to voters; check details

Pune, November 12, 2024: To encourage voting in the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections, Pune District Collector Dr. Suhas Diwas has directed to give sufficient time to all eligible employees on the polling day of 20 November 2024. The initiative is aimed at removing any kind of hindrance in voting, so that all citizens can exercise their democratic right without any hindrance.

Key Provisions of the Directive

According to the order of Dr. Diwas, all establishments under the Department of Industry, Energy and Labour of the Maharashtra State Government will have to give their employees either a full day off or at least two hours relaxation for voting. This order has been issued with the aim of promoting voting so that work-related hindrances in voting can be removed.

Polling Day Leave: Employees engaged in industries, trades or any profession working in the polling areas of Pune district are ordered to be given a full day off on 20 November 2024.

Two-Hour Voting Concession: If it is not possible to give a full day off due to operational reasons, it is mandatory to give at least two hours relaxation to the employees for voting. For this, the establishments will have to obtain prior permission from the Pune District Election Officer.

No Salary Deductions: There will be no salary cut for employees taking leave or exemption for voting, so that participating in the electoral process does not affect their financial condition.

Applicability: This directive applies to a wide range of establishments in the district, including factories, retail shops, hotels, IT companies, theatres, shopping malls and other private and public organisations.

#विधानसभा सार्वत्रिक निवडणुकीमध्ये सर्व मतदारांना त्यांचा मतदानाचा हक्क बजावण्यासाठी २० नोव्हेंबर २०२४ या मतदानाच्या दिवशी उद्योग विभागांतर्गत सर्व आस्थापनांनी अधिकारी, कामगार, कर्मचाऱ्यांना भरपगारी सुट्टी अथवा दोन तासांची सवलत द्यावी-जिल्हाधिकारी डॉ. सुहास दिवसे pic.twitter.com/Fce7xnzrr2

— DISTRICT INFORMATION OFFICE, PUNE (@Info_Pune) November 9, 2024

Compliance and Enforcement

The district administration has issued special guidelines to ensure compliance with this order:

Circular Distribution: Official circulars with clear instructions have been sent to all concerned establishments.

Approval Process: Establishments that are giving voting exemptions will have to obtain prior permission from the District Election Office to maintain transparency in the process.

Penalties for Non-Compliance: Strict action will be taken against establishments found preventing employees from voting. Complaints received from employees will be investigated and disciplinary action will be taken against non-compliant organisations.

Additional Incentives to Encourage Voting

पूना हॉटेलियर्स असोसिएशनशी संलग्न असलेल्या ७४ हॉटेल्समध्ये मतदान केलेल्या मतदारांच्या देयकावर २० व २१ नोव्हेंबर २०२४ रोजी १० टक्के सूट देण्यात येणार. २० नोव्हेंबर रोजी होणाऱ्या निवडणुकीत अधिकाधिक मतदारांनी मतदान करुन या सवलतीचा लाभ घ्यावा- जिल्हा स्वीप नोडल अधिकारी अर्चना तांबे pic.twitter.com/BqJjXOfcRG

— DISTRICT INFORMATION OFFICE, PUNE (@Info_Pune) November 9, 2024

To encourage people to vote, 74 hotels associated with the Pune Hoteliers Association will offer a 10% discount to their customers who will cast their vote on 20th and 21st November 2024. District SVEEP Nodal Officer Archana Tambe has urged voters to avail this discount so that they fulfill their civic duty.

Strengthening Democracy Through Easy Access to Voting

This proactive initiative of the administration led by Dr. Diwas reflects the commitment to strengthen democratic participation. By removing work-related barriers and encouraging more people to vote, this directive is in line with Section 135(b) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which provides for giving adequate leave to voters during elections. This action not only promotes voting but also strengthens Pune district’s commitment towards an inclusive and representative election process.

However, employees are encouraged with their employer to check if their establishment falls under the Department of Industry, Energy and Labour of the Maharashtra State Government and the leave order is applicable to their organization.