Closing of Central Government Offices During General Elections: Guidelines and Procedures
In a recent Office Memorandum issued by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, the Department of Personnel & Training has outlined the guidelines for the closure of Central Government Offices in connection with the upcoming General Elections to the Lok Sabha 2024 and General Elections to the Legislative Assemblies of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Sikkim, along with Bye-elections to fill vacancies in various Assembly Constituencies across states. The memorandum, dated 5th April 2024, emphasizes the necessity to follow these guidelines meticulously to ensure smooth conduct of elections and facilitate the participation of government employees in the electoral process.
The key directives outlined in the memorandum are as follows:
Closure of Offices on Polling Days: On the day(s) of polling in the notified areas where general elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assembly are scheduled, the relevant Central Government offices and organizations shall remain closed. This measure aims to enable employees to exercise their voting rights and contribute to the democratic process without hindrance.
Granting Special Casual Leave for Bye-elections: In the case of bye-elections to State Assemblies, special casual leave should be granted to employees who are bona fide voters in the relevant constituency. Additionally, employees who are ordinarily residents of the constituency and registered as voters but employed in Central Government Organizations/Industrial Establishments located outside the constituency where a bye-election is taking place should also be granted special casual leave. This provision ensures that eligible employees can participate in the electoral process regardless of their current work location.
The memorandum emphasizes the importance of disseminating these instructions to all concerned parties to ensure effective implementation. It specifically lists the recipients of this communication, including all Ministries/Departments of the Government of India, constitutional bodies, attached and subordinate offices of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, as well as various employee representatives and welfare committees at the state and national levels.
By adhering to these guidelines, the Central Government aims to uphold the principles of democracy by facilitating the active participation of its employees in the electoral process while ensuring the smooth functioning of government offices during the election period. This proactive approach reflects the government's commitment to promoting civic engagement and democratic values across the nation.
