Holiday Notice: Maharashtra Declares Paid Holiday in Poll-Bound Areas for Zilla Parishad Elections on February 7
Pune, February 3, 2026 – The Maharashtra State Government has issued a crucial directive making it mandatory for all industries, commercial establishments, and factories to grant a paid holiday or sufficient time off to employees for the upcoming Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections.
The voting for 12 Zilla Parishads and 125 Panchayat Samitis is scheduled for Saturday, February 7, 2026. To ensure every citizen can exercise their democratic right, the Department of Industry, Energy, Labour, and Mining has released an official circular (No. Sankirna 2025/C.R.200/Labour-9) enforcing this leave.
Wide-Ranging Scope of the Order
The directive applies to a broad spectrum of sectors across the state. Whether an employee is working within the election territory or is stationed outside but registered as a voter in the polling districts, they are entitled to this benefit. The order specifically covers:
- Private Companies & IT Firms
- Factories and Industrial Undertakings
- Shops, Shopping Centers, and Malls
- Hotels, Restaurants, and Theaters
- Retail Outlets and Small Businesses
Provisions for Essential Services
Recognizing that some sectors cannot shut down entirely without causing significant public inconvenience or danger, the government has provided a middle ground. In exceptional cases where a full-day holiday is not feasible, employers must provide a 2 to 3-hour window for staff to cast their votes.
“Democracy thrives on participation. Any establishment found denying this right to its employees will face strict legal action upon receipt of complaints,” the government circular warns.
Detailed List of Polling Areas
The public holiday and election orders apply to the following 12 Zilla Parishads and their corresponding 125 Panchayat Samitis:
Read the official communication from the Government of Maharashtra here.
The State Election Commission originally planned the polls for February 5, but rescheduled them to February 7 following the state mourning period for the late Deputy CM Ajit Pawar. Results are expected to be announced on February 9.
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