Jharkhand Declares February 23 Public Holiday
Ranchi: The Jharkhand government has announced a public holiday on February 23 in areas where Urban Local Body (ULB) elections will take place. The decision is intended to encourage higher voter turnout and ensure peaceful polling across municipal regions.
All government offices, state-run institutions, public sector undertakings, and educational establishments located within the polling jurisdictions will remain closed on the day. Authorities said the measure will allow citizens to vote without facing work or academic obligations.
The State Election Commission has made extensive preparations for the elections, covering municipal corporations, municipal councils, and nagar panchayats across the state. Security arrangements have been strengthened, with additional personnel deployed at sensitive and high-risk polling stations to maintain law and order.
Officials have appealed to voters to participate actively in the democratic process. Special assistance will be provided to senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups to ensure inclusive participation.
Urban Local Body elections are crucial for local governance, as elected representatives will oversee city development, civic services, sanitation, infrastructure projects, and the implementation of welfare schemes at the municipal level.
District administrations have also been instructed to strictly follow polling guidelines and the Model Code of Conduct to ensure free and fair elections.
