Declare poll day as paid holiday: Odisha govt to commercial establishments

Bhubaneswar: With the General and Assembly elections beginning in Odisha from tomorrow, the State Government has asked management of all business, trade, industrial undertakings, shops and commercial establishments to declare the poll days as regular paid holidays for their employees.

The aim of the move is to facilitate casting of votes by those employed in the sector.

Lok Sabha and Assembly elections will be held simultaneously in Odisha in four phases on April 11, 18, 23 and 29. Counting of votes will be held on May 23.