The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced that all voters in Bihar will be entitled to a paid holiday on the days of polling for the upcoming Bihar Legislative Assembly General Election 2025 and related bye-elections.
According to the schedule released by the Commission, polling for Phase I will be held on November 6, 2025 (Thursday), while Phase II and all bye-elections across eight Assembly Constituencies will be conducted on November 11, 2025 (Tuesday).
As per Section 135B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, every individual employed in any business, trade, industrial establishment, or other institution and entitled to vote must be granted a paid holiday on the polling day. The Election Commission emphasized that no deduction should be made from the wages or salaries of employees availing of this leave. 
The Commission also made it clear that daily wage earners and casual workers are equally entitled to this benefit. Any employer who denies the paid holiday or violates this rule may face legal penalties, including fines as prescribed under the Act.
Furthermore, the ECI clarified that voters employed outside their home constituency but registered to vote in areas going to polls are also eligible for a paid holiday. This provision is meant to help citizens travel to their constituencies and cast their votes conveniently without losing their day’s wages.
The Election Commission has directed all State and Union Territory governments to ensure strict compliance with these provisions. District Election Officers and labour departments have been instructed to monitor implementation so that no voter is deprived of the opportunity to exercise their democratic right.
