Kohima: The government of Nagaland has declared June 16 as a paid holiday to facilitate voting in three municipal wards holding Town Council by-elections. The Home Department confirmed the move covers all state and central government employees registered to vote in these specific areas.
The policy applies to electors in Ward 11 of Chümoukedima Town Council, Ward 8 of Wokha Town Council, and Ward 9 of Atoizu Town Council. This mandate extends to employees registered in these wards even if they reside or work in different locations. Staff at banks and financial institutions enrolled in these wards will also receive a paid holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, to ensure they can exercise their franchise.
Local business regulations also change on election day. All shops and commercial establishments within the voting wards owned or managed by registered electors must remain closed during polling hours. The official notification specifies that the government will grant similar leave if a re-poll is required: "The date fixed by the State Election Commission for such re-poll shall also be observed as a public holiday for the concerned electors."
These provisions exclude individuals whose absence from work during polling hours might cause danger or substantial loss to their employers. The government confirmed these measures are designed to ensure maximum voter participation across the affected regions.
Comments