John Brittas Advocates for Paid Holiday for Postal Workers on April 9 Kerala Elections
Synopsis
In a significant move, Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas has urged the Union Minister to grant postal employees a paid holiday on the upcoming Assembly election day, emphasizing the importance of voting rights.
Key Takeaways
John Brittas requests a paid holiday for postal workers on April 9 .
Concerns raised over Kerala Postal Circle guidelines.
Section 135B of the Representation of the People Act mandates this holiday.
Other states grant similar holidays for postal employees.
Historical precedent exists for polling day holidays in Kerala.
New Delhi, April 5 (NationPress) Rajya Sabha MP from Kerala, John Brittas, has reached out to the Union Communications Minister, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, requesting a paid holiday for postal workers on the day of the Assembly elections, scheduled for April 9.
In a letter directed to the Minister, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) MP appealed for prompt action to allow postal employees to cast their votes.
Brittas highlighted his concerns regarding directives from the Kerala Postal Circle classifying all postal staff as “Absentee Voters in Essential Services (AVES)” and mandating them to choose a postal ballot within a very narrow window.
He noted that the circular issued on March 19 required postal staff to collect Form 12D by March 20 and submit it at their respective Collectorates by March 22, both of which were holidays, complicating compliance and raising concerns about the arbitrary nature of the guidelines.
Brittas stressed that Section 135B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 stipulates that a paid holiday must be granted on polling day to enable employees to vote.
He mentioned that even in cases where certain services are deemed essential, the traditional administrative practice has been to maintain only the minimum necessary operations on polling day, thereby not depriving employees of their right to vote in person.
The CPI-M MP also pointed out that in several other states, including Assam, postal workers are granted a holiday on polling day in accordance with statutory laws.
He recalled that during previous Assembly elections in Kerala, postal establishments had observed polling day holidays with only essential arrangements in place.
This current deviation raises concerns about the inconsistency in law enforcement and the unnecessary infringement on employees' democratic rights, he argued.
Emphasizing the importance of the voting right as a fundamental aspect of India's democratic system, Brittas urged the Union Minister to address the issue promptly and provide the necessary directions to ensure that postal employees in Kerala are afforded the legally mandated paid holiday on polling day, with only essential arrangements being strictly necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is John Brittas seeking a paid holiday for postal workers?
John Brittas is advocating for a paid holiday for postal workers to ensure they can participate in the Assembly elections on April 9, emphasizing the importance of voting rights.
What does Section 135B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 state?
Section 135B mandates that employees should be granted a paid holiday on polling day to facilitate their right to vote.
What issues did Brittas highlight regarding postal employees' voting rights?
Brittas pointed out the challenges posed by the Kerala Postal Circle's classification of postal workers as absentee voters and the tight deadlines for postal ballot applications.
Have postal workers in other states received holidays on polling days?
Yes, in several states like Assam, postal employees are granted holidays on polling days in line with statutory provisions.
What is the historical precedent for holidays on polling days in Kerala?
In past Assembly elections, Kerala postal establishments observed polling day holidays, allowing employees to vote with minimal essential operations.
