Elections in Maharashtra: Paid Holiday Declared for 29 Municipal Corporations on January 15; Strict Action for Denial of Leave
Maharashtra Election 2026 – In a move to ensure maximum voter turnout for the upcoming civic elections, the Maharashtra government has officially declared a public holiday on Thursday, January 15, 2026. The directive applies to all government offices, educational institutions, and private sector establishments across the 29 municipal corporations heading to the polls.
The announcement, issued by the Industries, Energy, and Labour Department, mandates that all industrial, commercial, and trade establishments, including IT parks, shopping malls, and retail outlets, grant their employees a full day’s leave to exercise their franchise.
Strict Compliance for Private Employers
The government circular emphasizes that the right to vote is a cornerstone of democracy. Under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, employers are legally obligated to provide a paid holiday to any staff member registered as a voter in the polling areas, even if their workplace is located outside the constituency limits.
“It has been observed in previous elections that some establishments fail to provide adequate leave, depriving citizens of their voting rights. This will not be tolerated,” the notification stated.
Special Provisions for Essential Services
For sectors involving continuous processes or emergency services where a full-day closure is not feasible, the government has directed employers to provide a minimum of two to three hours of special leave. However, this must be coordinated to ensure every employee has a dedicated window to visit their polling station.
GR for Holiday on Election Day in Maharashtra
Key Highlights for January 15:
- Coverage: Applies to 29 Municipal Corporations including Mumbai (BMC), Pune (PMC), Pimpri-Chinchwad (PCMC), Thane, Nashik, and Nagpur.
- Scope: Includes private companies, hotels, theaters, and information technology (IT) firms.
- Legal Action: The administration has warned of strict legal action against any establishment that receives complaints regarding the denial of leave or salary deductions for the holiday.
- Stock Markets: Major exchanges including the NSE and BSE have also announced a trading holiday in observance of the polls.
As the state prepares for this massive democratic exercise, the State Election Commission (SEC) has completed all administrative arrangements, including the deployment of EVMs and training of polling staff. Residents are encouraged to check their names on the updated voter lists and head to the booths on January 15.
