Election Schedule Overview
The Election Commission of India has released the schedule for the 2025 General Election to the Bihar Legislative Assembly and bye-elections in eight Assembly Constituencies. The polling dates are set for:
- Phase-I: November 6, 2025 (Thursday)
- Phase-II: November 11, 2025 (Tuesday)
- Bye-elections: November 11, 2025 (Tuesday) for all eight Assembly Constituencies
Paid Holiday Provisions
Under Section 135B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, every employee entitled to vote in the elections to the House of the People or the Legislative Assembly of a State/Union Territory is granted a paid holiday on the polling day. This applies to individuals employed in:
- Businesses
- Trade
- Industrial undertakings
- Other establishments
No Wage Deductions
No employer may deduct wages due to this paid holiday. Violators face fines for non-compliance. This provision extends to daily wage and casual workers, ensuring they can exercise their voting rights without financial penalty.
Out-of-Constituency Voters
The Election Commission has clarified that voters, including casual and daily wage workers, employed in establishments outside their registered voting constituency are also entitled to a paid holiday on polling day. This measure facilitates their ability to travel and cast their votes.
Ensuring Voting Rights
The Commission has instructed all State and Union Territory Governments to enforce these provisions strictly. Employers must comply to ensure that all eligible voters can exercise their franchise freely and conveniently.