All offices, business establishments and even cinema halls would remain closed on April 30, the polling day to enable citizens in Hyderabad district to exercise their franchise. A notification would be issued by the Labour Department with instructions to the effect that all centres of business activity including shopping malls remain shut till 6 p.m. on that day.
The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) Commissioner and Hyderabad District Election Officer (DEO), Somesh Kumar, said the instructions would be enforced strictly by flying squads and those found violating the guidelines dealt with sternly.
“The notification will be issued by the Labour Department under Section 31 (2) of A.P. Shops and Establishments Act and every business activity, small or big, is expected to adhere to it by keeping their shops, offices and factories closed,” he said. Even entertainment centres like cinema halls including multiplexes would not be exempted.
Mr.Somesh Kumar said a flying squad comprising officials from the GHMC, Labour Department and Police would be constituted for monitoring each constituency. Only hospitals would be exempted, but even they should allow the staff adequate time to cast their vote.
The GHMC would set up a call centre to enable citizens give information on business establishments or offices that remain functional on polling day.
“All the workers and staff of different establishments should know that polling day is a paid holiday for them,” he added.
