Chennai, March 30 (NationPress) In a groundbreaking initiative to enhance voter participation across state lines, the government of Tamil Nadu has mandated that employers provide paid leave not only on its own election day but also for employees who are registered voters in adjacent states. Tamil Nadu is scheduled to hold elections on April 23, and this date has already been designated as a public holiday.

Authorities have further clarified regulations for individuals who reside or work in Tamil Nadu but are registered to vote in Kerala or the Union Territory of Puducherry, where elections will take place earlier on April 9.

This decision follows a communication from Tamil Nadu’s Chief Electoral Officer, Archana Patnaik. In response, the Secretary of the state’s Labour Welfare and Skill Development Department, K. Veera Raghava Rao, issued comprehensive guidelines on March 24, citing provisions from the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

Employers in all sectors, including both private and public enterprises such as IT and BPO companies, are encouraged to grant a paid holiday on April 23 to allow their employees to vote in Tamil Nadu.

Significantly, this directive extends to voters from neighbouring regions. Employers have been asked to provide paid leave on April 9 for employees living in Tamil Nadu who are registered voters in Kerala or Puducherry, facilitating their participation in elections without any financial burden.

Officials highlighted the importance of these instructions due to Tamil Nadu's geographical closeness to its neighbours.

Nine districts in Tamil Nadu share a border with Kerala, and five districts adjoin Puducherry, leading to a considerable population of inter-state voters.

To ensure successful execution, the government has mandated the creation of control rooms at both state and district levels. Authorities are also tasked with disseminating information regarding these provisions to ensure that both employers and employees understand their rights and responsibilities.

This decision aligns with a similar appeal from Kerala’s election officials, showcasing a collaborative effort to increase voter turnout.

According to Section 135-B of the Representation of the People Act, all eligible voters working in any establishment are entitled to a paid holiday on polling day without any deduction from their wages, except in cases where their absence would pose a significant operational risk or loss.

This directive is anticipated to benefit thousands of migrant workers, students, and professionals in the region, reinforcing the principle of universal electoral engagement.