Shillong, Feb 18 : The Meghalaya government has declared February 21, as a general holiday in several districts for the elections to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC).

The announcement was made through an official notification issued by the Governor of Meghalaya on Wednesday.

The holiday will apply to the districts of East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, South West Khasi Hills, Eastern West Khasi Hills, Ri-Bhoi, East Jaintia Hills, and West Jaintia Hills. Employees working in these districts who are electors in the KHADC and JHADC constituencies will be granted special leave to cast their votes.

Additionally, Central Government employees who are voters in these constituencies will also be granted special leave on the polling day.

Industrial establishments, shift workers, daily wage earners, and casual workers—including those working outside these constituencies—will be entitled to a paid holiday as per the provisions of the law. The Labour Commissioner has been instructed to ensure compliance by private sector establishments, while the Chief Inspector of Boilers and Factories has been directed to reschedule weekly holidays to February 21, 2025, in factories where necessary.

Polling for the KHADC and JHADC elections will take place on February 21, with vote counting scheduled for February 24.