The Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has lodged a strong protest against the State government’s decision to declare December 20, the day of polling for the Zilla Panchayat elections, as a public holiday across the State.
“While GCCI fully supports the democratic process and urges all eligible citizens to exercise their right to vote, the Chamber strongly believes that declaring a blanket public holiday for local body elections is neither feasible nor advisable in the present economic scenario,” stated a press noted issued by GCCI Director General Sanjay Amonkar.
“Industrial and commercial establishments in Goa operate in an increasingly competitive environment and even a single day’s disruption results in loss of production, business opportunities and added operational costs, ultimately impacting employment and State revenues.”
“GCCI has consistently brought to the notice of the State government that such holidays for local body elections should be avoided as they are detrimental to business continuity and often disrupt industrial harmony between management and the workforce.”
The GCCI further pointed out that December 19 is already a declared public holiday on account of Goa Liberation Day.
“Declaring an additional holiday on December 20, which falls on a Saturday, followed by Sunday, would result in three continuous non-working days, severely impacting industrial productivity, supply chains, project timelines and service commitments,” stated Amonkar.
The GCCI further pointed out that the government notification declaring the public holiday has been issued as per the provisions of sub-section (1) of Section 40A of the Goa Panchayat Raj Act, 1994.
“This provision applies only to those individuals who are eligible to vote in the Zilla Panchayat elections scheduled on December 20, 2025 and does not extend to all employees across industrial and commercial establishments.”
“In view of this, GCCI reiterates that there is no justification for a blanket holiday and maintains that allowing adequate time off to eligible voters is a more practical and balanced approach, ensuring both democratic participation and continuity of business operations,” Amonkar added.
