The Government of Himachal Pradesh, on May 06, 2026, declared paid holidays on May 26, 2026 (1st Phase), May 28, 2026 (2nd Phase), and May 30, 2026 (3rd Phase) in connection with the General Elections to Panchayati Raj Institutions across the State. The holidays shall apply to Government Offices, Boards, Corporations, Educational Institutions, Industrial Establishments covered under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, as well as Shops and Commercial Establishments situated in the concerned Panchayati Raj areas.
The notification further clarifies that the declared holidays shall also be treated as paid holidays for daily wage employees and recognized as holidays under Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881. However, the election programme shall not apply to Gram Panchayats Karjan and Soyal of Development Block Naggar, and Jaban and Namhog of Development Block Anni in District Kullu, Himachal Pradesh.
Additionally, employees working at locations different from their voting constituency within the State may be granted special casual leave for casting votes in the concerned Panchayati Raj Institution elections, subject to submission of a certificate from the Presiding Officer confirming that the vote was cast.
[Notification No. GAD-A(B)8-2/2026]
