ESMA Invoked To Prohibit Strikes Of Firemen & Supervisory Ranks In Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Wednesday invoked Essential Services (Maintenance) Act against agitating fire services personnel in the state.

While issuing the prohibitory orders, the Home Department said, “….it is necessary to prohibit strikes of firemen and their supervisory ranks as Fire Services is vitally necessary for the life of the community. Any such disruption can cause untold hardships to people and can lead to loss of life and property….”

The order will remain in force for a period of six months with effect from the date of issue, it added.

On February 19, the Odisha Fire Service personnel, who had been protesting by wearing black badges for the last two months, threatened to launch their cease work agitation from February 21. Their demands including salaries and allowances on par with Odisha police and registration of their association, which was formed in 1980.

“If the government fails to take steps to meet our demands, all the personnel will go on mass leave from Wednesday. The government should not hold us responsible for the difficulties to be posed to the public for their agitation,” president of the association of fire services personnel Akshya Pradhan had told a presser.