The Election Commission of India (ECI) on March 16, 2026, notified regarding the General Elections to Legislative Assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry, 2026 PAID HOLIDAY.
The communication informs that the Election Commission has announced the 2026 General Elections to the Legislative Assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and the UT of Puducherry. Polling is scheduled on April 9, 2026 for Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry; April 23, 2026 for Tamil Nadu; and April 23 and April 29, 2026 for West Bengal.
It highlights the provisions of Section 135B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which mandate that all eligible employees must be granted a paid holiday on the day of polling. Employers are prohibited from deducting wages for such leave, and even employees not ordinarily entitled to wages on that day must be paid. Non-compliance by employers may result in a fine.
The directive further clarifies that this benefit applies to all categories of workers, including those working in shops, establishments, and shift-based roles, as well as daily wage and casual workers. Importantly, employees working outside their registered constituency are also entitled to a paid holiday to enable them to vote.
The Commission has instructed all authorities to ensure strict compliance with these provisions and to issue necessary instructions to concerned organizations, reinforcing the importance of facilitating voter participation.
[Notification No. 78/EPS/2026]
