MONDAY, MAY 20, 2024
PANJIM: The State government has declared paid holiday for the electors of Karnataka, residing in Goa, on May 10 in view of general elections to the Karnataka Legislative Assembly.
Under Secretary General Administration Shaila Bhosle has issued a notification in this regard.
“The government of Goa hereby declares Wednesday, May 10 as a paid holiday being the polling day for the general elections to the Karnataka Legislative Assembly to the electors of Karnataka State,” the notification stated.
The Karnataka electors working in the industrial estates, daily wagers in the government departments and corporations, private establishments would be entitled for the benefit.
Meanwhile, the Goa government’s decision to declare Wednesday, May 10 as paid holiday for voters of Karnataka residing in the State has upset industry.
However, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) has justified the paid holiday stating that there are previous instances of neighbouring States declaring holidays for employees on Election Day.
Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) president Ralph De Sousa said that it is highly deplorable to declare a paid holiday in the State whose neighbouring State is going for general Assembly elections.
“GCCI disapproves such decisions which undermine the interest of the Goan industry, trade and business. Government can still explore many alternatives available in consultation with the industry bodies, to serve everybody’s purpose in a win-win manner,” he said.
De Sousa said that it’s unprecedented that the Goa government is declaring a holiday for Karnataka elections and it will be detrimental to the industry. Opposing the notification, he said that it will set a wrong precedent as holidays will be given for all types of elections in the neighbouring States.
The Goa State Industries Association slammed the decision by referring to it as an absurd and stupid decision taking industries to ransom for electoral gains.
“How can the Goa government declare a paid holiday on May 10 for Karnataka elections? If it continues like this for every election, it will be difficult to do business in Goa if the government takes industries to ransom for electoral gains,” said GSIA president Damodar Kochkar.
“We are also looking out for legal remedies to these types of unilateral decisions by the government,” he said.
The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), Goa State Council chairman Manguirish Pai Raiker said that it is not fair declaring a paid holiday and making industries to bear the expenses owing to elections in the neighbouring State.
“There are 28 States and eight Union Territories in the country and giving paid holiday for each State and UT election, the industries will not be able to function at all. It will be a difficult situation for industries who struggle to meet their export commitments,” Raiker said.
Verna Industries Association president Pradeep Da Costa said, “Declaration of a paid holiday for Goa due to Karnataka elections is absurd. With Goa now being cosmopolitan and having employees from all over India, then for every election in every State including panchayats and municipal councils, there will be a need to declare it a paid holiday.”
He said that though it is a Constitutional right to vote, then the concerned employee needs to take a leave and go to his native State.
According to Da Costa, the MSME sector is still struggling for survival post-Covid pandemic and these last minute decisions are only adding salt to the wounds.
“If the Goa government is really serious about Constitutional rights, then with technology there are so many other ways, such as postal ballots etc, which can be explored,” Da Costa added.
GCCI Industry Committee member Gautam Raj said, “The government decision is setting a precedent. The industries always have a friendly relation with the government and the latter should have consulted the industries on how to go about it. The decision is creating friction between the employer and the employee. The paid holiday will affect our production and it will come to a standstill.”
Kundaim Industries Association president Kiran Shirsat said, “It’s a horrible decision by the Goa government. We have a workforce from many States and if we start giving paid holiday to them, then workers will only enjoy holidays. We are trying to come out of Covid pandemic and we cannot afford to give paid holidays.”
Sancoale Industries Association president Sashidharan said, “We are not supporting Goa government’s decision. Those who want to vote may take a leave and go to their State. If the government starts declaring paid holiday for every State election, then how will private industries work? Why should we bear their costs? The government should have consulted us but it took a unilateral decision.”
Cuncolim Industries Association president Abhay Keni said, “Goa government has taken a foolish decision. We were not consulted.”
Meanwhile, it is learnt that the industry body is likely to meet Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Labour and Employment Minister Atanasio Monserrate on Tuesday and request them to reconsider the decision of declaring a paid holiday for Karnataka polls.
