The Maharashtra government has declared a statewide public holiday on Nov. 20 for the upcoming Assembly elections, ensuring that government offices, semi-government organizations, corporations, banks, boards, and related institutions remain closed to facilitate voting.
“The Government of Maharashtra hereby declares public holiday on account of Maharashtra Legislative Assembly General Election of 2024 in all assembly constituencies on Wednesday, November 20, 2024,” the official order stated.
As part of this holiday, all government offices, including banks, will be closed for in-person services on Nov. 20 across Maharashtra. Despite this closure, customers can still access online banking and ATM services without disruption.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has mandated paid leave on Nov. 20 for employees within Mumbai to encourage higher voter participation. The BMC order specifies, “Every person engaged in any business, trade, industrial undertaking or any other establishment in the polling area where the election is held, and entitled to vote in the State Assembly elections shall be given a holiday on the polling day.” Employers must comply, as the order warns that any violation will result in strict action, and no deductions in employee salaries will be allowed for this leave.
The Assembly elections will be conducted across all 288 seats in a single phase on Nov. 20, with the results scheduled to be declared on Nov. 23.
