In view of the upcoming by-elections in the 99-Majuli (Scheduled Tribe) assembly constituency, the Assam government has declared a paid holiday on March 7 in Majuli.

The paid holiday has been declared as per provision under Section 135B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

Every person employed in any business, trade, industrial undertaking or any other establishment and entitled to vote in the constituency is granted a holiday.

Further no deduction or abatement of the wages of any such person shall be made on account of a holiday being granted.

In all those cases, where a person who is ordinarily resident of the Constituency and is registered as a elector of that particular Constituency, but serving or employed in an establishment, which is located outside the Constituency will also be entitled to the benefit of a paid holiday on poll day.

Also Read: Assam: 7 fresh COVID-19 Cases detected

In addition to this, the daily wage or casual workers are also entitled for a paid holiday.

As per the order, if an employer contravenes this provision, he or she shall be punishable with fine, which may extend to Rs. 500.

Three candidates are in the fray for the polls in the 99-Majuli constituency. They are the ruling BJP’s Bhuban Gam, opposition AJP’s nominee Chittaranjan Basumatary and Bhaity Richong of the SUCI(C). The Congress had decided not to contest but to leave the seat for AJP in a bid to unite the anti-BJP forces.

Also Read: Assam: Cong Leader attacked during Poll Campaign