Paid Leave Announcement for Haryana Elections 2024
The Punjab government has made a significant announcement for its employees registered as voters in Haryana: a paid leave on October 5, 2024, to facilitate their participation in the upcoming assembly elections in the neighboring state. This initiative is aimed at encouraging voter participation and ensuring that employees have the opportunity to cast their votes without any work-related hindrance.
Eligibility and Procedures
Employees wishing to avail themselves of this special leave must present their voter ID card as proof of their registration in the Haryana voter list. Importantly, this paid leave will not be deducted from their leave account, providing an added incentive for employees to exercise their voting rights. The announcement specifically covers those working in government offices, boards, corporations, and educational institutions of Punjab.
Election Details
Voting for the 90 assembly seats in Haryana is scheduled for October 5, with the counting of votes taking place on October 8. This decision to declare October 5 as a paid holiday reflects the commitment of the Punjab government to support democratic participation among its workforce.
Additional Context: Upcoming Initiatives in Delhi
In a related context, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi is also making headlines with its plans to implement the ‘Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana’ after the Haryana elections. This scheme aims to provide a monthly honorarium of Rs 1,000 to women who are not government employees or taxpayers, benefitting an estimated 50 lakh women in the national capital.
Scheme Implementation Timeline
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Proposal Submission | The scheme proposal will be sent to relevant departments including Finance and Law for comments. |
| Cabinet Approval | Post departmental feedback, the proposal will be presented for Cabinet approval. |
| Lieutenant Governor Approval | Following Cabinet approval, the scheme will require the nod from Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor, V.K. Saxena. |
Financial Implications
For the implementation of the ‘Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana,’ an allocation of ₹2,000 crore has been made in the annual budget for 2024-25. The AAP convenor, Arvind Kejriwal, had previously promised financial support for women, and with Atishi now as the chief minister, efforts to roll out this scheme have gained momentum.
Conclusion
Both the paid leave for voting in Haryana and the upcoming financial support for women in Delhi underscore the focus of local governments on civic engagement and social welfare. These initiatives not only encourage participation in the democratic process but also aim to uplift vulnerable sections of the population, showcasing the government’s commitment to addressing societal needs.
