The Goa government has reportedly decided to declare March 11 as a statewide paid holiday on account of polling day for the elections to the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP). It is learnt that the paid holiday will apply to workers of all establishments across Goa, including commercial and industrial undertakings, government departments, State government industrial units and other establishments. Elections are a cornerstone of democracy and every eligible voter must be enabled to exercise their franchise. However, the question that arises is whether a statewide holiday is called for when only a specific segment of the population, which in the present case is the registered voters of Panaji, are entitled to vote.
The rest of Goa’s population, namely those in villages and cities outside Panaji, may have no role in this electoral process. It is pertinent to note that Panchayat elections, which are confined to specific villages, do not prompt holidays for the entire district or State. Similarly, municipal elections in towns and cities affect only local offices. Holidays mean loss of productivity, public inconvenience and a negative impact on businesses.
A blanket holiday may not be the most efficient tool to ensure high voter turnout. Alternative measures to help voters exercise their franchise could be extended polling hours, strengthening public transport on polling day, and encouraging early voting. Voters working outside the city could be allowed to take special leave. A balance must be struck between facilitating voter turnout and minimising disruption to economic and social life. A paid holiday across Goa on polling day of the CCP elections probably needs a rethink.
