New Delhi: With voting for the Bihar assembly elections scheduled in two phases on November 6 and 11, preparations are in full swing by both the Election Commission and political parties.

As per tradition, schools and banks across the state will remain closed on polling days to ensure smooth conduct of the elections and to allow citizens to vote without inconvenience.

Schools are among the most commonly used polling centres due to their suitable infrastructure including classrooms, open grounds, electricity, and accessibility. To prepare for voting, schools are handed over to election officials at least a day or two before polling and often remain closed the following day for cleaning and restoration. Teachers and other staff members are also deployed on election duty as polling officers, making it difficult to maintain regular activities at the schools.

Similarly, banks — both public and private — will remain closed on polling days. What this ensures is that every employee, whether in government offices, private companies, or financial institutions, can vote without loss of pay.

With India being the most populous country in the world, most of the urban centres are densely populated, so, declaring a holiday also helps maintain order and ease logistical challenges around polling stations.

A holiday ensures citizens have the time and opportunity to go to their polling stations and take part in the democratic process, especially in rural or semi-urban areas where people need to travel some distance to vote.