UP govt extends ESMA, no strikes for another 6 mths

Earlier on November 26 last year, the state government had invoked ESMA for six months.

The decision to extend ESMA will deter us from staging protest regarding government teachers’ issues DINESH C. SHARMA, chairman of teachers’ union.

LUCKNOW : The Uttar Pradesh government on Thursday extended the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) for a period of six months, banning strikes in all state government departments, corporations and authorities.

Additional chief secretary, appointment and personnel, Mukul Singhal issued the notification stating that in exercise of the powers under sub section (1) of the section 3 of the Uttar Pradesh Essential Services Maintenance Act, 1966 (UP Act No 30 of 1966), the state government prohibited strike for a period of six months from the date of the notification.

Earlier on November 26 last year, the state government had invoked ESMA for six months. The decision to extend ESMA came on the eve of the call by statewide protests and strike by contractual employees under the National Health Mission in government as well as in private medical colleges. The teachers’ association and the state employees’ union have also threatened to launch a protest in support of their demands.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Teachers’ Union has opposed the state government’s decision. “The decision to extend ESMA will deter us from staging protest regarding issues pertaining to government teachers,” said Dinesh Chandra Sharma, chairman of teachers’ union.