Overview
Today marks the first phase of polling for the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, covering 121 constituencies across 17-18 districts. NewsX+3News on Air+3Wikipedia+3 To ensure a smooth election process, the state government has implemented specific closures and operations for various institutions.
✅ What’s Closed
- Schools & Colleges: All schools and colleges in the districts going to polls under Phase 1 are officially closed for the day. This enables the use of educational institutions as polling stations and helps teachers/staff participate or assist the electoral process. Jagranjosh.com+2NewsX+2
- Government & Private Employee Work: In the polling districts, employees are granted paid holiday for the day so they can vote. Employers must comply or face legal action. NewsX+1
🔄 What’s Open / Operating Differently
- Banks & Financial Institutions: Most banks remain open, but expect reduced services or adjusted timings in polling-areas, as staff may be deployed for election duties or security.
- Government Offices: Essential government offices in the polling areas will function, but non-urgent services may be suspended or delayed in the interest of election logistics and security.
- Polling Booths: Voting is active from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm in the designated constituencies. NewsX+1
📍 Why These Measures?
- Educational institutions are often used as polling booths — closing them minimizes disruption and allows smooth deployment of staff and voters. Jagranjosh.com+1
- Declaring the day a paid holiday for voters ensures higher turnout by removing work-related obstacles. NewsX
- Adjusting open-hours for civic services helps manage security, traffic, and crowds around polling zones.
💡 Voter Tips
- Carry your valid ID (e.g., voter-ID) and check your polling station in advance.
- If you are a working professional in a Phase-1 district, ensure your employer has granted you the paid holiday.
- For bank or government services you need today, check ahead: better to visit early morning or postpone non-essential work to avoid inconvenience.
- Follow official instructions at polling booths for orderly entry & exit — many stations will have separate entry/exit gates. Press Information Bureau
✅ Quick Recap
- Schools & colleges closed in Phase 1 districts.
- Paid holiday for voters in these districts.
- Banks & government offices open, but with caveats and possible disruption.
- Polling active today from 7 am to 6 pm.
- Follow guidelines for a smooth voting experience.
