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The Case for Election Day as a Holiday in India

The Case for Election Day as a Holiday in India

Context

Recent discussions have brought to light an intriguing debate surrounding the obligation of employers, particularly Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), to declare a holiday on election day. 

Relevance For Prelims: Election Commission Of India, India’s Election Law Framework, Weather-Proofing PollsUncontested Elections And NOTA, One Nation One Election and 1951, Civic Nationalism. 

Relevance For Mains: 

Debate over Voting

  • Constitutional Right: The right to vote in India is not just a privilege but a constitutional right outlined in the Constitution.
  • Debate Over Constitutional Principles: Some argue for this practice, citing constitutional principles, while others question its necessity and potential infringement on individual liberties. 

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Global Practices

  • Encouraging Voter Participation through Holidays: Many democracies worldwide provide a holiday on election day to facilitate voter participation.
    • Some countries like Australia mandate voting and provide a holiday, while others, like the United States, don’t.
  • Voting Practice in USA: Election day in the U.S. isn’t designated as a national holiday, so voters typically schedule their voting around their daily routines. While some states provide paid time off for voting, there’s no federal mandate for this practice.
  • A Princeton Study: A study from Princeton University suggests that having an election holiday doesn’t significantly increase voter turnout.

Equilibrium Between Civic Duties and Individual Liberties

  • Promoting Voting Rights: Advocates argue that the Constitution upholds voting as a right, hence employers should grant a day off.
    • Business organizations like FICCI, ASSOCHAM, and NASSCOM are expected to align with societal goals. 
  • Balancing Employer Autonomy and Voting Rights: The counterargument emphasises individual freedom and the principles of a free market economy.
    • Mandating a holiday may be seen as an infringement on employer autonomy, especially for smaller businesses.

Way Forward

  • Suggestions For India: The proposal to link paid leave to proof of voting suggests a middle ground. 
    • This incentivizes voter turnout while allowing employer discretion, addressing both civic engagement and business concerns.
  • Civic Engagement: The issue transcends legalities and delves into democracy’s essence, fostering civic engagement while respecting diverse needs. 
  • Innovative Voting Solutions: Policymakers should explore innovative solutions to encourage voting without burdening employers.
    • Future technological advancements may enable voting from home without undue influence. 

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Conclusion

The discussion surrounding employer responsibilities on election day is intricate, encompassing democracy, personal liberties, and economic factors. Maintaining equilibrium between civic duties and corporate independence is crucial to uphold India’s democratic principles.

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 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key

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 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key

Quick Revise Now !
AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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