Uttar Pradesh government said on Thursday that the state’s Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA), which prohibits strikes in public services, companies, and local governments, has been extended for another six months.
A notification to this effect was issued on Tuesday. The Act empowers police to detain anybody who violates its terms without a warrant.
Strikes have been outlawed with immediate effect in all public services, including companies and local bodies owned or managed by the state government, according to an official statement released here.
Anyone who instigates a strike that is illegal under the Act is subject to imprisonment for up to a year, a fine of up to $1,000, or both under the Essential Services Maintenance Act of 1966.
The Uttar Pradesh government had initially invoked the ESMA in the state in May last year for a period of six months. It subsequently extended the provisions for another six months on November 25, 2020.
What is ESMA?
The Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) is an act that any government can invoke in their respective states to prohibit striking employees from refusing to work on certain essential services which are necessary and important for maintaining normal life in the country.
The Essential Services Maintenance Act, 1996 mandates imprisonment for a term which may also extend to a year, or a fine of Rs 1,000 or both, to any person who tries to instigate a strike that was illegal under the Act.
