Himachal Pradesh Declares 3-Day Paid Holiday For Panchayat Elections 2026

Last Updated:May 07, 2026, 12:37 IST

The Himachal Pradesh government has declared paid holidays on May 26, 28 and 30 for Panchayat elections. Offices, schools and commercial establishments to be closed for polling

The Government of Himachal Pradesh has announced a three-day public holiday in connection with the upcoming Panchayat elections scheduled later this month. The holidays have been declared for May 26, May 28 and May 30, corresponding to the three phases of polling across the state.

The notification regarding the holidays was issued by the General Administration Department (GAD), stating that all government offices, educational institutions, boards, corporations and industrial establishments in the concerned areas will remain closed on polling days.

According to the order, May 26 (Tuesday) has been declared a holiday for the first phase of elections, May 28 (Thursday) for the second phase and May 30 (Saturday) for the third and final phase of voting.

Paid Holiday To Apply Across Multiple Sectors

The government clarified that the order will also apply to institutions covered under the Industrial Disputes Act, along with shops and commercial establishments located in areas where polling is scheduled.

Officials stated that employees will be entitled to paid leave during the polling days to ensure maximum voter participation in the rural local body elections.

The notification further mentioned that the holiday has been declared under Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881.

Daily Wage Workers Also Included

The government led by Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the benefit of the holiday order would also extend to daily wage workers employed in different departments and establishments.

Employees posted outside their native polling areas but working in different locations within the state will also be eligible for special casual leave to cast their votes. However, authorities clarified that such employees will have to produce a voting certificate issued by the concerned presiding officer as proof of participation in the electoral process.

The election notification stated that polling will not take place in some gram panchayats, and therefore the holiday order will not apply there. These include Karjan and Soyal Gram Panchayats of Naggar block in Kullu District, along with Jaban and Namhog Gram Panchayats of Ani block.

Nomination Process Begins Across State

Meanwhile, the nomination process for the Panchayat elections in Himachal Pradesh commenced on Wednesday.

Candidates can submit their nomination papers on May 7, May 8 and May 11 between 11 am and 3 pm. The elections will be conducted for a total of 31,182 posts across different tiers of rural local governance.

Over 31,000 Posts To Go To Polls

According to election officials, the polls will cover:

• 3,754 posts of Pradhan
• 3,754 posts of Up-Pradhan
• 21,654 Gram Panchayat member seats
• 1,769 Panchayat Samiti member seats
• 251 Zila Parishad member posts

The Panchayat elections are expected to witness intense political activity across rural Himachal Pradesh, with local leaders and parties already beginning preparations for campaigning.

Urban Local Body Elections Scheduled Earlier

Before the Panchayat elections begin, polling for Municipal Corporations and Municipal Councils in Himachal Pradesh is scheduled to be held on May 17. Officials said extensive arrangements are being made to ensure smooth conduct of both urban and rural local body elections across the state.

News cities shimla Himachal Pradesh Declares 3-Day Paid Holiday For Panchayat Elections 2026

Read More