The counting of votes is scheduled to begin the following day, Friday, January 16, with results anticipated to be announced by the end of that day.
To promote voter turnout and ensure smooth execution of the civic polls, the Maharashtra Election Commission has declared a public holiday on January 15. As Mumbai heads to the polls for the BMC elections
, here’s a breakdown of what will be open and what will be closed in the city tomorrow.
What is closed
Per the State Election Commission, January 15 will be a public holiday for government, semi-government offices, corporations and boards, public sector undertakings, banks, and central government offices within the BMC jurisdiction.
Private companies may decide based on their policies, though many are expected to shut down.
Schools and colleges
On Thursday, a majority of government and civic-run educational institutions in Mumbai are likely to remain closed due to the national holiday. Moreover, private schools might also suspend classes, especially if their facilities serve as polling stations.
Stock Market
The BSE and NSE will not operate for trading on January 15 due to the municipal corporation elections in Maharashtra. The BSE has announced that trading in the equity segment, equity derivatives, commodity derivatives, and electronic gold receipts will not occur on Thursday.
In a prior announcement, the NSE had declared January 15 a trading day off for both capital market and derivatives segments.
Dry days in all major cities
The state government has enforced a four-day dry spell in 29 civic body areas, prohibiting the sale and consumption of alcohol from January 13 to January 16.
What is Open
Emergency Services: Essential services will continue to operate on January 15.
Public Transport: BEST buses, Mumbai Local Trains, and other transport services will operate as usual.
Facilities at polling stations
As per the Election Commission, special assistance will be available for vulnerable voters. Priority will be provided to:
Senior Citizens
People with disabilities.
Pregnant Women
Single parents with children.
Polling booths will be equipped with electricity, clean drinking water, toilets, and ramps.
Voter photo ID card and 12 other identity proofs valid for polling
During the BMC elections, voters must present either a voter photo ID or one of the 12 alternative identity documents recognized by the SEC for voting.
The 12 approved documents include:
Passport.
Aadhaar card
Driving licence
PAN card
Government-issued photo identity cards
Bank and post office passbooks featuring photographs
Disability certificates with photos
MGNREGA job cards
Pension-related photo documents
Official identity cards issued to MPs and MLAs
Freedom fighter identity cards
Photo health insurance cards issued by the Union Labour Ministry.
