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The Uttar Pradesh government has invoked the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) to ban strikes by government employees for six months.
This decision was made in light of the upcoming Maha Kumbh and other significant events.
The ESMA prohibits strikes in all State government departments, corporations, and authorities.
The Act empowers the police to arrest employees who violate the provisions without a warrant.
Violators may face imprisonment for up to one year, a fine of up to ₹1,000, or both.
The Essential Services Maintenance Act, 1968
It was enacted in 1968 to ensure the delivery of certain services, which if obstructed would affect the normal life of the people.
It is a law made by the Parliament of India under List No. 33 in Concurrent List of 7th Schedule of Constitution of India.
Services fall under this category are:
Services relating to public conservation, sanitation, water supply, hospitals, or national defence are essential.
Any establishment involved in producing, delivering, or distributing petroleum, coal, electricity, steel, or fertilizer also gets classified as providing essential services.
Aside from that, any banking-related service may be subject to ESMA.
This statute also applies to communication and transportation services and any government initiative relating to the acquisition and distribution of food grains.
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