Kohima, June 12 (MExN): The Nagaland government has declared June 16 (Tuesday) as a paid holiday for all state and central government employees who are registered voters in three municipal wards going to polls for Town Council by-elections.
The Home Department, General Administration Branch-II, said the holiday covers electors enrolled under Ward No. 11 (Chaara) of Chümoukedima Town Council, Ward No. 8 (Tsumang 'B') of Wokha Town Council, and Ward No. 9 (Samba Ghoki) of Atoizu Town Council.
The holiday will also apply to employees registered in these wards but ordinarily residing or working elsewhere, the notification said.
Employees of banks and financial institutions in Nagaland who are enrolled as voters in the said wards will similarly be entitled to a paid holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, to exercise their franchise.
Additionally, all shops and commercial establishments in the aforesaid wards owned, managed or run by registered electors shall remain closed during polling hours on the polling day under Section 10 of the Nagaland Shops and Establishments Act, 1982.
The government further stated that in the event of a re-poll, the date fixed by the State Election Commission for such re-poll shall also be observed as a public holiday for the concerned electors.
However, the provisions will not apply to any elector whose absence may cause danger or substantial loss to the employment in which he or she is engaged.
