Lok Sabha elections: Outstation techies to get leave to cast vote, with an ink rider

HYDERABAD: With a large number of techies from the city set to head for Andhra Pradesh in April second week, IT secretary Jayesh Ranjan said software employees who want to exercise franchise in their hometowns in neighbouring AP on April 11 would be given leave. But, he put a rider saying techies having a voting right should first get their finger inked before seeking approval of the leave.


“Voting day is a general holiday and private IT companies may announce holiday for half a day. There is a high chance that several techies could go to AP as polling is on Thursday followed by the weekend,” he said.

He asked IT firms to put in place a system to approve leave. “During the December assembly elections, we carried out a massive awareness programme to increase the enrolment of IT professionals. We saw a good turnout from Rajendranagar and Kukatpally constituencies where most of the techies reside. Awareness programmes are being held for Lok Sabha elections as well,” he said.

He further said that many employees being migrants could leave for their native states to vote. In the first phase, 91 Lok Sabha constituencies in 20 states will vote, including all constituencies in AP and Telangana.

“IT professionals are serious about the Lok Sabha election. Most of them will vote this year as they want to give their verdict on government’s performance. A lot of promises made by the government, however, have not been fulfilled,” said Kiran Chandra of forum of IT professionals.