During India’s bustling general election, citizens aren’t just casting their votes; they’re being enticed by an array of incentives from various sectors, all aimed at fostering civic engagement and driving business growth.
From hospitality to aviation, healthcare, and ride-hailing services, companies are pulling out all the stops to encourage voter turnout. In Uttar Pradesh, where the election holiday has transformed the polling day into an extended weekend, restaurants in Noida are offering a 20% “democracy discount” to inked voters. Varun Khera, representing the National Restaurant Association of India, believes this initiative should be embraced by all service industry players.
During Noida’s polling day on April,26 , inked voters can enjoy “democracy discounts” at eateries like Café Delhi Heights, F Bar, I Sacked Newton, Noida Social, and The Beer Café.
Meanwhile, Air India Express is taking to the skies to incentivize first-time voters, offering them a 19% discount on domestic and international flights. This initiative has already seen significant uptake, with one out of every 20 bookings made by a first-time voter. The airline’s commitment to empowering the youth and promoting active citizenship underscores its dedication to fostering democratic values.
According to reports, the airline, known for its robust India-West Asia routes, has observed a significant influx of first-time voters journeying from Sharjah and Dubai to destinations like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. Likewise, there has been a surge in first-time voters from major metropolitan areas such as Bengaluru, Delhi, and Chennai heading towards West Bengal, Jharkhand, and the Northeast.
Even within local communities, businesses are rallying behind the democratic process. Electric vehicle ride-hailing service BluSmart is providing discounted rides to voters in Bengaluru and Delhi, ensuring they have convenient access to polling stations.
The Hotel and Restaurant Association is also doing its part, urging its members to offer special discounts to patrons who proudly display their inked fingers, signaling their participation in the electoral process.
From salons to amusement parks, the spirit of democracy is palpable. Enrich’s CEO, Sumant Arora, announced that the salon chain will extend a 50% additional discount or reward points to its members for one week following the voting date in cities like Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Indore, and Pune. While amusement park chain Wonderla is enticing voters with a 15% discount on tickets in Bengaluru.
Exercise your vote today and dive into fun with a 15% discount on Wonderla Bengaluru and Kochi Park tickets!
— Wonderla (@Wonder_La) April 26, 2024
You can avail this offer both online and at the park's ticket counters. Simply show your inked finger at the park counters from 26th-28th April to enjoy this exclusive… pic.twitter.com/APMFl4WI13
Innovative initiatives like these not only boost business but also underscore the importance of civic duty, making the democratic process an inclusive and rewarding experience for all.
