"Jammu and Kashmir Government Declares Paid Holidays for 2024 Legislative Assembly Elections"

The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has declared holidays on the polling days for the 2024 Legislative Assembly elections. As per Government Order No. 1553-JK(GAD) dated 23rd August 2024, this order has been issued based on instructions received from the Election Commission of India on 16th August 2024.

According to the order, holidays will be observed on the polling days for the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections in three phases:

1. Phase-1: 18th September 2024 (Wednesday) - for 24 Assembly Constituencies.

2. Phase-2: 25th September 2024 (Wednesday) - for 26 Assembly Constituencies.

3. Phase-3: 1st October 2024 (Tuesday) - for 40 Assembly Constituencies.

The order states that on the day of polling, every employee, whether engaged in any business, trade, industrial establishment, or any other institution, will be entitled to a paid holiday to cast their vote in their respective Assembly Constituencies.

Additionally, daily wage and casual workers will also be entitled to a paid holiday on the polling day. If any employer violates this provision, they shall be liable to punishment, including a fine of up to 500 rupees.

This holiday will also be treated as a holiday under Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881.

Copies of this order have been sent to all Financial Commissioners, the Director General of Police, the Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor, and other relevant officials.

Issued by: Sanjeev Verma, IAS, Commissioner/Secretary, Government of Jammu and Kashmir