Local Body Elections; John Brittas MP Urges Special Leave for Central Government Employees in Kerala

New Delhi: Rajya Sabha MP Dr. John Brittas has urged the Centre to grant special leave to Central Government employees in Kerala on December 9 and 11 in view of the upcoming local body elections. The request was made in a letter to the Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.

In his letter, Dr. Brittas pointed out that although the polling dates have been announced, the two days have not been declared public holidays for Central Government institutions under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881. He noted that in previous instances where elections were held on working days, special casual leave had been sanctioned to enable Central Government employees to cast their votes.

Emphasising that voting is a fundamental democratic right, the MP urged the Centre to either declare the polling days as closed holidays or grant special casual leave to Central Government employees in the state. He also sought similar directions for public sector undertakings, banks, autonomous bodies, and all other Central establishments operating in Kerala.

Brittas said that timely intervention by the Centre would ensure that employees are not deprived of their right to participate in the local self-government elections.