In a bid to encourage voter turnout, the Karnataka State Government has announced general holidays for employees of all government and government-related institutions on April 26 and May 7, the scheduled polling days in the state.
Chief Electoral Officer of Karnataka, Manoj Kumar Meena, confirmed that the holiday declaration aligns with existing regulations, specifically under the Negotiable Instruments Act of 1881. Meena noted that similar requests have been received from other states, such as Tamil Nadu, to facilitate voting days off for employees.
Emphasizing the importance of democratic participation, Meena stated, “It is a democracy, and it is a rule for us to declare a holiday. We have done it. It is up to the citizens to make the most of it—to make a conscious decision to vote.”
Reflecting on past elections, Meena highlighted the significance of such holidays in bolstering voter turnout. Notably, during the 2023 Assembly elections, Karnataka witnessed a turnout of 72.39%.
To further support voter engagement, private tour operators and hotels have also decided to refrain from bookings on the aforementioned dates. Entities like the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation and Jungle Lodges and Resorts are prioritizing the opportunity for their staff to exercise their voting rights by not accepting bookings.
With April 26 falling on a Friday and May 7 on a Tuesday, the decision aims to facilitate easier access for voters and potentially boost participation in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls
