Schools and colleges in Mumbai are expected to be closed on January 15 for the BMC polls, with other offices observing a public holiday to boost voter turnout.
Schools and colleges in Mumbai are expected to be closed on January 15 for the BMC polls [Photo: X]
BMC Elections 2026: As Mumbai heads to the polls for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, January 15, 2026, is set to be a crucial civic day. A public holiday has been declared in poll-bound areas of Maharashtra, and many schools and colleges are likely to remain closed on the day of voting.
This comes as the state aims to ensure smooth polling and encourage maximum voter participation by giving citizens time off to cast their ballots.
Most schools and colleges in Mumbai are likely to remain closed on January 15 due to the public holiday announced for polling day. Government and civic-run institutions usually suspend classes during elections, especially when school buildings are used as polling stations.
Private schools and colleges may also declare a holiday or switch to non-teaching days. However, closures are not automatic for private institutions. Final decisions rest with individual managements. Students should not assume a holiday unless officially announced by their institution.
Students and parents should stay alert for school notices via official channels such as emails, SMS groups or school websites. Confirming whether a school or college is closed helps avoid unnecessary travel.
Additionally, students eligible to vote can plan their day to visit polling booths, often open from morning to evening, without missing academic commitments.
The Maharashtra State Election Commission has announced that January 15 will be a public holiday in regions under 29 municipal corporations where civic elections will take place, including Mumbai. The move applies to government and semi‑government offices, corporations, public sector units and banks, ensuring that civic duties are prioritized on election day.
The holiday aims to make it easier for voters to reach polling stations across the city. This applies not just to public institutions but also to many residents who typically juggle work and voting.
Despite the public holiday, essential services will function normally across Mumbai. These include:
The public holiday applies to several sectors within BMC limits, including:
Despite the holiday, public transport services like local trains and buses are expected to operate normally, helping voters reach polling stations without interruption. Essential and emergency services, including hospitals, ambulances and police, will continue to function throughout the day to ensure public safety and support election logistics.
The State Election Commission has confirmed that all preparations for the civic polls are complete. Polling staff deployment, EVM readiness, security arrangements, and voter assistance measures are in place.
Polling booths will have facilities such as drinking water, electricity, ramps, and toilets. Special priority will be given to senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and voters with children.
Voters are encouraged to use the public holiday to participate actively in the democratic process.
