The Kerala State Election Commission (SEC) has instructed all private companies and commercial establishments to grant paid leave to employees on the upcoming local-body election days.
Elections are scheduled to be held on December 9 and 11, and the SEC has made it clear that factory workers, plantation employees, and staff in industrial and commercial units must be allowed to vote without any wage deduction.
The directive also extends to workers who live in one constituency but work in another, ensuring they receive either a holiday or suitable leave to cast their vote comfortably.
By enforcing these guidelines, the SEC aims to eliminate work-related barriers to voting and encourage higher turnout. Employers across the state have been urged to cooperate fully and support the democratic process by ensuring employees have the time and freedom to vote.
