Local body polls: Holiday for govt offices, educational institutions in seven districts today

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A public holiday has been declared today in seven districts of Kerala due to the local body elections. The holiday, declared under the Negotiable Instruments Act, applies to government offices, educational institutions, private sector establishments, government and semi-government institutions, commercial establishments, and banks. The first phase of the local body elections begins today, with voting taking place from Thiruvananthapuram to Ernakulam.

Employees in central government offices, including industrial establishments, who are registered voters in the state, will be permitted to vote even if a holiday has not been declared for their workplace. The Department of Personnel and Training has informed the State Election Commission that officials will be provided with appropriate facilities, such as permission to arrive late, leave early, or take specific time off to cast their votes. The holiday is in effect in seven districts: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, and Ernakulam.