Lok Sabha polls: Banks, schools, offices, colleges, factories in Noida, Greater Noida to stay closed on April 26

In preparation for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Gautam Buddh Nagar, authorities have announced the closure of schools and colleges on Friday to ensure normal operations of electoral process on Friday. This decision aims to facilitate the smooth casting of votes by citizens. Additionally, factories, public and private office, banks and industries have been instructed to grant paid leave to workers on Friday to enable their participation in the electoral process.

Gautam Buddh Nagar, encompassing Noida and Greater Noida, is set to go to polls on April 26, boasting a considerable electorate of 26.75 lakh registered voters.

Gautam Buddh Nagar DM Announced Holiday on April 26

District Magistrate Manish Kumar Verma announced, "All schools and colleges in Gautam Buddh Nagar will remain closed on Friday, resuming regular activities on Saturday."


Verma highlighted the significance of ensuring workers' access to voting booths, stating, "Factories and industries have been urged to provide paid leave to workers on Friday to facilitate their participation in the voting process. This decision stems from the observation that some workers face challenges in exercising their voting rights due to work commitments."

Furthermore, Verma, serving as the district election officer, emphasized community engagement in the electoral process. He encouraged residents' welfare authorities (RWAs) and apartment owners' associations (AOAs) to actively participate in what he referred to as the "festival of democracy."

"We intend to recognize and appreciate the efforts of RWAs and AOAs that contribute to enhancing voter turnout. Commendation certificates will be awarded to those demonstrating improved voter participation," Verma elaborated.

Noida, Greater Noida Voter Turnout 2019 Lok Sabha Elections

Gautam Buddh Nagar's historical voter turnout has been subpar, with 60.47 per cent recorded in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, 60.38 per cent in 2014, and a mere 48 per cent in 2009, as per data from the Election Commission. This trend persists despite the national average turnout being higher, standing at 67.40 per cent in 2019, 66 per cent in 2014, and 58 per cent in 2009, according to the commission's records.

Uttar Pradesh Lok Sabha Elections 2019: Results