Odisha Fire Services Personnel Call Off Agitation After Action Against Leader

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Fire Services personnel called off their strike on Friday and joined duties after action was taken against the chief fireman, who was leading the agitation.

The stir was called off two days after the state government on Wednesday invoked Essential Services (Maintenance) Act against agitating fire services personnel in the state.

Notably, the Odisha Fire Services had been protesting by wearing black badges for the last two months. On February 19, they threatened to go on mass leave from Wednesday, February 21. The state government on Wednesday invoked ESMA to restrain them from staging agitation.

Subsequently, chief fireman Akshay Pradhan, who was leading the strike, was given forced retirement.

Following the action taken against Pradhan, the agitating firemen called off their strike.

Pradhan had reportedly threatened that 5,000 personnel would give the government a befitting reply in the coming days if their demands were not met.

The fire service personnel have been demanding salaries, allowances, and levels at par with the Odisha Police, and registration of their association.

While issuing the prohibitory orders on Wednesday, 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….”