Guwahati, March 23: The Assam government has announced a public holiday across the state on April 9, Thursday, in light of the upcoming Assam Assembly elections.
According to a notification issued by the General Administration Department, the holiday has been declared under Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, to facilitate the smooth conduct of voting. This decision aligns with directives received from the Election Commission of India and the Chief Electoral Officer of Assam.
The notification states that all government and non-government offices, including Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), urban local bodies, educational institutions, and commercial establishments will remain closed on April 9. Banks, tea gardens, industries, and other establishments across the state will also observe the holiday on polling day.
This order was issued following a letter from the Election Commission of India dated March 16, 2026, and a subsequent letter from the Chief Electoral Officer of Assam on March 17, 2026.
The government emphasized that this measure aims to ensure maximum voter participation by allowing citizens to exercise their voting rights without any hindrance. Officials have stated that necessary instructions have been sent to all relevant departments and authorities to ensure compliance with the notification.
Declaring a public holiday on polling day is a standard procedure intended to encourage greater voter turnout and facilitate a smooth electoral process. The Assam Assembly elections are expected to witness intense political competition, with major parties ramping up their campaign efforts across the state.
The elections will be conducted in a single phase for the 126 assembly seats, with vote counting scheduled for May 4. Officials confirmed that this notification was issued with the approval of the Governor of Assam.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
