Odisha govt invokes ESMA, bans strikes in power sector amid outage concerns

The Odisha government on Friday invoked provisions of the Essential Services (Maintenance) Act, prohibiting strikes in the power sector to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply amid rising complaints of outages, officials said.

The order, aimed at maintaining seamless generation, transmission and distribution of electricity, will cover utilities such as GRIDCO, OPTCL, OHPC, OPGC and DISCOMs, and remain in force for six months from June 21, according to an official notification.

Officials said the ESMA, 1988, was imposed to prevent strikes and related protests in power generation, transmission and distribution establishments across the state.

The notification stated that the government was ''satisfied that in the interest of the public, it is necessary to prohibit strikes'' to maintain industrial peace and optimise power generation, transmission and distribution.

Sources in the power sector said the move came amid reports of protests by a section of temporary and casual workers over issues related to layoffs, wages, outsourcing and service conditions.

There have also been reports of power outages from Bhunabeswar, Cuttack, Bolangir and other parts of the state, they said.

By bringing electricity services under the ambit of essential services, the government has legally barred employees from resorting to strikes or protests that could disrupt operations, officials said.

Odisha's peak-hour power demand this summer has risen to around 6,600 MW, the sources said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister K V Singh Deo said in the evening in a post on X: ''Electricity is the backbone of Odisha's progress - fueling industries, empowering agriculture, and illuminating every household.

''Recognising its critical importance, the Government of Odisha has invoked the Odisha Essential Services (Maintenance) Act, 1988, to prohibit strikes in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity across GRIDCO, OPTCL, OHPC, OPGC, and all DISCOMs.''.

This directive ensures uninterrupted functioning of essential power infrastructure during the severe heat wave conditions gripping the state, he said.

''It is a decisive step to safeguard industrial peace, protect livelihoods, and guarantee seamless electricity to every corner of Odisha. As Deputy Chief Minister and Energy Minister, I reaffirm our resolve to keep Odisha's power sector strong, reliable, and resilient,'' the deputy CM added.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)