The State election officials have initiated steps to enhance the polling percentage in the twin cities and their surrounding areas by at least 5% from the existing 55% to 60% in the coming elections.
Chief Electoral Officer Rajat Kumar said the corporates and large firms employing youth should declare a paid holiday on the polling day enabling the youth to exercise their franchise. The youth are entitled to cast their vote, and not granting them a holiday is against the provisions of the Representation of Peoples Act. The firms should at least grant permission for their employees to visit polling stations to cast their vote in case it was not possible to declare a holiday on the poll day. “Not giving a holiday is a non-cognizable election offence. This is not a threat, but an effort in soliciting their help,” he said. Mr. Rajat Kumar said he would address letters to IT and pharmaceutical companies and large corporates employing a significant number of youth seeking their cooperation. The election authority has also decided to rope in non-governmental organisations for creating awareness among people to duly exercise their franchise.
