Paid Holiday Mandatory on Election Day: ECI Notification for Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal & Puducherry Elections 2026

The Election Commission of India, vide letter dated 16 March 2026, has directed that all employees working in business, trade, industrial undertakings, and other establishments must be granted a paid holiday on the day of polling for the Legislative Assembly Elections in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Puducherry.

The polling dates have been notified as follows:

• Assam, Kerala and Puducherry – 09 April 2026 (Thursday)

• Tamil Nadu – 23 April 2026 (Thursday)

• West Bengal – 23 April 2026 (Thursday) and 29 April 2026 (Wednesday)

This direction is issued under Section 135B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which mandates that every employee who is entitled to vote must be allowed a paid holiday on the poll day without any deduction of wages, including daily wage or casual workers. Employers failing to comply with this provision may be liable for a penalty as prescribed under the Act.

The provision ensures that employees are able to exercise their democratic right to vote without any financial loss or workplace restriction.