HR representatives suggest vote-and-seek-pay

BENGALURU: The Human resources representatives of some private companies, held a meeting with poll officials, and have reportedly said that, if employees enjoy a paid holiday on the day of voting, then they must provide the proof — the inked finger — on their return to office.

This is the terse message given to employees by some private companies across the sectors in a bid to encourage their participation in the coming general election.

However, a top poll officer has said that, The decision on pay cut is, left to private companies and the Election Commission cannot be involved in such matters.

The move is an initiative to encourage voting among employees in the elections. Joint chief electoral officer AV Surya Sen said the vote-and-seek-pay suggestion came from a few HR executives of private companies from technology and manufacturing sectors, among others.

The BJP, which has petitioned the Karnataka chief electoral officer (CEO) with fears that the employees might give the ballot a miss due to the long weekend. Spokesperson AH Anand said the CEO has apprised the party of the pay-cut move by some private companies.