Public holiday in state on April 26; private firms ordered not to deny wages to workers

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A public holiday has been declared in the state on April 26, when the Lok Sabha elections will be held. The holiday is applicable to all institutions including government offices and educational institutions.

A paid holiday has been announced for commercial establishments. The order states that the Labor Commissioner should make necessary arrangements to declare a holiday in private establishments and private industrial centres covered by the Commercial Establishment Act and not deny or reduce wages on the day of the holiday.

Polling for 20 Lok Sabha constituencies in Kerala will be held on April 26. It is in this situation that a public holiday has been announced in the state.