Hyderabad: Telangana has declared a public holiday on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, for all educational institutions, government offices, and private establishments in areas where municipal elections are being held. The State Election Commission announced the holiday to facilitate the smooth conduct of polling across 123 urban local bodies.
The holiday applies to all government and private educational institutions, including primary schools, high schools, junior colleges, and degree colleges. Government offices and private establishments such as factories, shops, and industrial units in polling areas will also remain closed, with employees entitled to a paid holiday under labor regulations.
Key Highlights
- Date: February 11, 2026 (Wednesday)
- Affected: Schools, colleges, government offices, private firms, and banks in polling areas only.
- Reason: Municipal elections across 123 ULBs (116 Municipalities + 7 Corporations).
- Polling Hours: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Vote Counting: February 13, 2026 (Friday)
- Next Working Day: February 12, 2026 (Thursday)
Elections across 123 Urban Local Bodies
The Telangana State Election Commission has scheduled municipal elections for 123 urban local bodies on February 11, comprising 116 municipalities and 7 municipal corporations. Polling will be conducted from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM across these areas.
Educational institutions and government buildings have been identified as key polling centers due to their accessibility and infrastructure. The election commission confirmed that using these buildings as polling venues necessitated the holiday declaration to avoid disruption to the electoral process and ensure maximum voter participation.
Who is Affected?
The holiday impacts students, teaching staff, non-teaching employees across all educational institutions, government employees, and workers in private establishments located in polling areas.
- Schools & Colleges: Parents have been advised to make necessary arrangements as institutions will remain closed.
- Private Employees: Workers in private businesses, factories, shops, and IT firms within polling areas are entitled to a paid holiday to cast their vote.
- Banks: Customers should note that bank branches located within the specific municipal limits of the polling areas will likely remain closed for public transactions.
Essential services will continue to operate as required.
Official Announcement
The State Election Commission of Telangana issued the official notification declaring the holiday to ensure uninterrupted polling operations and encourage voter participation. Educational institutions and government buildings serving as polling centers require full access to facilities, classrooms, and infrastructure throughout the voting day.
Election officials stated that the measure aligns with standard protocol during state and local elections where public premises are utilized for voting purposes. The paid holiday provision ensures employees can exercise their franchise without loss of wages.
FAQ
Yes, February 11, 2026, is a declared holiday for all educational institutions, government offices, and private establishments specifically in areas where municipal elections are being held.
Yes, government offices located in the polling areas will remain closed on February 11.
Municipal election polling will be conducted from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM across 123 urban local bodies in Telangana.
Elections are scheduled for 123 urban local bodies across Telangana, including 116 municipalities and 7 municipal corporations.
Yes, both government and private educational institutions in the election zones will remain closed as per the State Election Commission’s directive.
Yes, employees in private establishments, factories, shops, and industrial units located in polling areas are entitled to a paid holiday on February 11 as per election guidelines.
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