Overview
- The Assam government issued an official order declaring April 9 a public holiday to let voters cast ballots in all 126 Assembly constituencies.
- Citing Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, the notification closes government and private offices, local bodies, schools, banks, and most businesses.
- A separate Labour Welfare Department directive grants paid leave to workers in factories, tea plantations, shops, and public entertainment venues.
- The order, signed by Commissioner and Secretary MS Manivannan, followed letters from the Election Commission on March 16 and the Chief Electoral Officer on March 17 and carried the Governor’s approval.
- Polling will be held in a single phase on April 9, with counting on May 4, a timetable that concentrates logistics on one day to ease security and staffing.