Pune Civic Elections: Paid Leave Mandatory For Employees On PMC Poll Day, Labour Department Warns Employers

Pune PMC Elections: With the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) general elections approaching, the Labour Department has directed all establishments to ensure employees are given paid leave or sufficient time-off on polling day so they can cast their vote.

Paid Holiday Or Voting Time-Off On January 15

Labour Deputy Commissioner Nikhil Walke said that all establishments under the Labour Department’s jurisdiction must grant a paid holiday on January 15, 2026, the day of voting for the PMC elections. If a full-day holiday cannot be provided due to operational reasons, employers must allow employees at least two to three hours of paid time to vote.

The directive follows a government circular issued on December 30, 2025, by the Industries, Energy, Labour and Mining Department.

ALSO READ: Pune Traffic Advisory: Routes Closed, Diversions Announced Till Jan 16 For PMC Elections; Check Alternative Routes

Order Applies To Private Firms, IT Companies, Malls And Shops

The instructions apply to a wide range of establishments, including factories, private companies, IT firms, commercial offices, hotels, restaurants, theatres, malls, shopping centres, retail outlets and industrial units.

Walke said owners and managements must strictly comply with the order, adding that facilitating voting is a legal responsibility.

Action Warned Against Non-Compliance

The Labour Department has warned that strict action will be taken against establishments that deny paid leave or voting concessions. Complaints will be handled as per directions issued by the Election Commission and the state government.

Employees who face issues on polling day have been urged to report violations.

ALSO READ: 12-Year-Old Game Developer Stuns Passenger On Bengaluru Flight With His Online Earnings: 'He Was Talking About Bitcoin And Dogecoin'

How Employees Can File Complaints

Workers can email complaints to:

• alcpune5@gmail.com

• dycl2021@gmail.com

Complaints should mention the name of the establishment, the responsible official and a contact number.

For assistance, employees may also contact Labour Department officials, including Assistant Labour Commissioner Pravin B. Jadhav and other designated officers.

Voting Access Key To Civic Participation

The Labour Department reiterated that enabling employees to vote is essential to ensure maximum participation in civic elections and uphold democratic rights.