As Bharat gears up for the Lok Sabha Election 2024, scheduled to commence on April 19 and culminate with the results announced on June 4, various states are preparing for the democratic exercise by declaring public holidays and paid leaves for voters.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) holiday calendar for 2024 reflects the closures of banks in cities hosting polling stations on respective election days, aligning with the electoral process spread across seven phases.
The election process unfolds in seven stages, with the initial phase slated for April 19. Subsequent phases are scheduled for April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25, and concluding on June 1. Each phase covers designated constituencies across several states, ensuring a methodical and inclusive electoral process.
In Uttarakhand, April 19, the first day of voting, has been declared a public holiday to facilitate maximum voter participation. Similarly, Nagaland has mandated paid time off for employees across government, private, and business sectors, acknowledging the significance of democratic engagement on voting day.
Tamil Nadu, with its 39 Lok Sabha seats and additional bypoll for the Vilavancode Assembly constituency, has also announced a public holiday on April 19, emphasizing the importance of electoral participation.
Banks in various cities hosting polling stations will remain closed on April 19 to accommodate the electoral process. Chennai, Dehradun, Itanagar, Jaipur, Kohima, Nagpur, and Shillong are among the cities where banking services will be suspended, aligning with the RBI’s holiday calendar and ensuring logistical support for voters.
These proactive measures by states and institutions underscore the commitment to democratic principles and the empowerment of citizens through electoral participation. By providing conducive environments and facilitating voter engagement, authorities aim to uphold the integrity and vibrancy of Bharat’s democratic process.
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