UP government invokes ESMA, bans strikes in power department for six months

As northern India suffers under an intense heatwave, the Uttar Pradesh government has decided to ban strikes in the electricity department for six months. This move is taken to make sure that people continue to get an uninterrupted power supply, especially during this harsh summer.

The government invoked the Uttar Pradesh Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA), 1966, to stop any kind of strike or protest by employees of the electricity sector. This step was officially announced on Wednesday through a government notification.

Parts of north India, including Delhi, are facing extreme temperatures, with some areas crossing 45 degrees Celsius. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has already issued a Red Alert in many regions, warning people about the dangerous heat.

Amid this weather crisis, the state government said that any disturbance in the electricity supply could create serious problems for the public. So, banning strikes was necessary to keep power services running smoothly.

The notification clearly states that this ban applies to employees working in the following electricity departments and companies:

• Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL)

• Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (UPRVUNL)

• Uttar Pradesh Power Transmission Corporation Limited (UPPTCL)

• Kanpur Electricity Supply Company Limited (KESCO)

• Madhyanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (MVVNL)

• Purvanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (PuVVNL)

• Paschimanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (PVVNL)

• Dakshinanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (DVVNL)

• UP Renewable and EV Infrastructure Limited

These organisations are responsible for generating, transmitting, and distributing electricity across Uttar Pradesh. If any of these services are interrupted, it can affect millions of people, especially during the current weather emergency.

The state government said that this ban is not permanent. It is only for six months, but it is an important step to avoid blackouts or power cuts in such critical weather conditions.

The official statement added that the power department is an essential service, and the government is committed to protecting the interests of the common people. Ensuring proper power supply is also important for hospitals, water supply, schools, and other essential facilities that rely on electricity.

This decision is part of the government’s emergency response to manage the heatwave more effectively. In such times, air conditioning, fans, and cooling systems become necessary for survival, especially for senior citizens, children, and those with health problems.

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By using the powers given under ESMA, the government has made it illegal for employees in the listed power departments to go on strike or stop work during this six-month period.

This action follows similar decisions in other states where essential services were protected during emergencies. The Uttar Pradesh government has also asked all departments to work together and be ready to handle heatwave-related challenges.

In conclusion, the Chief Minister and officials want to make sure that people are safe and comfortable, especially as temperatures continue to rise. This ban on strikes is just one part of a larger plan to keep services running without problems during this extremely hot weather.