CHENNAI: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed district election authorities to avoid deploying women polling staff in remote or inaccessible locations during the upcoming Assembly election.

In a communication, Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik instructed that women personnel should be assigned to nearby polling stations, enabling them to reach booths at least two hours before polling begins on election day.

She also asked district officials to ensure adequate basic facilities, including transport arrangements, for polling personnel — with special focus on the needs of women staff.

Officials said that around 2 lakh women personnel have been deployed for election duty across Tamil Nadu. The directive aims to prevent inconvenience and ensure safety and accessibility during poll duty.

In a separate order, the ECI has mandated a paid holiday on polling day for employees in poll-bound States, including Tamil Nadu.

"All employers must grant paid leave to employees to enable them to vote. Any violation will attract penalties," the Commission said.