District Election Officer Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal said that a holiday has been declared for all employees and workers of the Jalandhar West Assembly Constituency to enable them to vote in the by-elections on July 10, 2024. This directive follows the guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI).
Dr. Aggarwal emphasized that all employees, including those in government offices, boards, corporations, and educational institutions, who are voters in the constituency, are eligible for a special leave. This leave will not be deducted from their accumulated leaves.
Similarly, a paid holiday will be granted to voters employed in businesses, trades, industries, factories, shops, commercial establishments, and industrial undertakings.
Dr. Aggarwal warned that strict action would be taken against any employer who refuses to grant leave to voters on polling day.
"The measure has been taken to ensure maximum participation in the voting process, allowing people to exercise their democratic right freely," said Dr. Aggarwal. This initiative aims to facilitate higher voter turnout and ensure that all eligible voters in the constituency have the opportunity to cast their ballots.
He also stated that the voting for the by-election will take place on July 10, from 7 am to 6 pm.
The constituency has a total of 171,963 eligible voters, comprising 89,629 males, 82,326 females, and eight third-gender voters. These voters will be able to cast their votes at 181 designated polling booths throughout the constituency.