BBMP to take steps to ensure IT/BT employees cast vote compulsorily

BENGALURU: With less than a fortnight left for the first phase of voting in the state for the Lok Sabha elections, the Election Commission is planning various measures to increase voting percentage. The BBMP, which is the nodal agency in the city, is also planning steps to ensure IT/BT employees cast votes compulsorily instead of going on holiday on polling day.

The first round of voting in the state will be held on April 26 in 14 constituencies, including three Lok Sabha constituencies in Bengaluru, and the Election Commission is already making final preparations.

The election authorities are raising polling awareness on the one hand, and on the other, the Election Commission is also worried about whether they can increase polling rates in urban areas. Employees in IT and BT sector, in particular, tend to spend their weekends by heading to getaways around the city.

A compulsory holiday has been declared on Friday, April 26 which is followed by a Saturday and Sunday. Hence, the BBMP is planning to put an end to skipping votes. On the day of voting, the respective companies will keep track of their employees and send the information to the BBMP.

Tushar Giri Nath, Chief Commissioner, BBMP, said, “BBMP will coordinate with the IT/BT companies to ensure that the employees participate in the voting process. Hence, HRMS is also pressuring their employees to cast votes. The government has also ordered all private establishments to declare a compulsory holiday for their employees on voting day. The corporation will think of what action can be taken on the basis of information received and is also planning to issue notices. We are expecting voting percentage to increase this time”.