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The upcoming Delhi Assembly elections scheduled for February 5th, 2025, have prompted significant action from both the central and Haryana governments. In a move designed to encourage maximum voter participation, the Haryana government declared a paid public holiday on February 5th for all its employees who are registered voters in Delhi. This decision, rooted in Sections 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, and Section 135-B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (amended in 1996), ensures that these individuals have the time and opportunity to exercise their democratic right without facing employment-related repercussions. The official statement explicitly highlighted that this paid leave applies to workers in factories, shops, and various private establishments across Haryana. The initiative reflects a proactive approach to bolstering voter turnout, acknowledging the potential barriers that work commitments can pose to individuals wishing to cast their vote.
Concurrently, the Delhi Deputy Chief Electoral Officer, T Misao, formally requested a similar paid holiday for employees within Delhi. This request, submitted to the Election Commission, included supporting documentation. The application contained notices from the Labour Commissioner of the Government of NCT of Delhi, the Labour Department of the Haryana government, and the Additional Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh. These documents collectively demonstrated a pattern of granting paid leave to workers in various sectors who are registered voters in Delhi. The unified approach underscores a concerted effort across multiple state governments to facilitate participation in the Delhi elections.
The central government further solidified this commitment to encouraging voter turnout by declaring a public holiday on February 5th across the nation. The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, under the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT), issued an official memorandum on January 17th, announcing the holiday. This decision encompasses not only the Delhi Assembly elections but also the upcoming by-elections in two assembly constituencies each in Uttar Pradesh (Milkipur (SC)) and Tamil Nadu (Erode (East)). The synchronized nature of these announcements indicates a national-level strategy to maximize voter participation in these critical electoral events. The holding of elections on February 5th, with the results expected on February 8th, 2025, marks a significant moment in Indian politics, and these measures underscore the importance placed on ensuring a robust and representative democratic process.
The decision to declare a paid public holiday for the Delhi elections highlights several key considerations. Firstly, it acknowledges the potential challenges faced by working individuals in participating in elections. By removing the barrier of lost wages, the government aims to ensure that employment does not hinder citizens' ability to exercise their fundamental right to vote. Secondly, it speaks to the government's commitment to fostering a strong and vibrant democracy. High voter turnout is essential for a healthy democracy, and this initiative is clearly designed to enhance participation. Finally, it demonstrates a degree of inter-governmental cooperation and coordination. The concerted action by multiple state governments and the central government underscores a shared commitment to ensuring a successful election.
However, potential criticisms could focus on the economic impact of a nationwide holiday. While the aim is to enhance democratic participation, the temporary disruption to businesses and the resulting economic costs should also be considered. Furthermore, the effectiveness of such a measure in significantly boosting voter turnout compared to other methods needs further evaluation. Some might argue that a more targeted approach, focusing on providing transportation or other forms of assistance to voters, might be equally effective with less economic disruption. Despite such potential counterarguments, the initiative undeniably reflects a commitment to encouraging maximum participation in the Delhi Assembly elections and the concurrent by-elections.
Source: Delhi Elections 2025: Centre and Haryana govt declare public holiday on Feb 5