Paid leave mandatory on election day, control room set up in Chennai to handle complaints
Tamil Nadu: In view of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, the Labor Department has issued instructions to all companies and institutions to provide paid leave to employees on polling day. It has also warned of action against companies that violate the rules. To strictly enforce this rule, a special control room has been set up in Chennai district, where employees can lodge complaints.
A press release issued by Assistant Commissioner of Labor S. Vetrichelvi clarifies that all employees working in public sector enterprises, private sector, unorganized sector, industrial companies, information technology (IT) companies, factories, and the construction industry in Tamil Nadu are required to be granted paid leave on Thursday (April 23).
The press release states that all employees have the full right to vote on the day of the Assembly elections and should receive leave without any hindrance. The department also clarified that all employers must ensure that their employees participate in the elections to promote 100% voter turnout.
The Labor Department has warned that if any company or institution does not grant leave to employees on polling day or attempts to prevent them from voting, strict action will be taken against them. This may include legal action and other punitive measures.
To ensure this system is effective, a control room has been set up in Chennai district where employees can lodge their complaints. This control room will be particularly active on election day so that any complaints can be addressed promptly.
Officials stated that this initiative aims to ensure that no employee is deprived of their right to vote and that everyone can freely exercise their franchise. Laborers and private sector employees, especially those working in urban areas, often face difficulties in obtaining leave, so this time monitoring and strictness have been increased.
The Labor Department has directed all companies to inform their employees in advance and ensure leave arrangements on polling day. Additionally, the department has appealed to employees to immediately inform the control room or the relevant authorities if they encounter any problems.
Overall, the Labor Department has taken this step to make the electoral process fairer and more participatory, to ensure the voting rights of employees and to prevent any kind of disruption.
