Odisha Govt Employees To Be Penalised For Inciting Agitation Illegally; More Depts Under ESMA

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government employees will now be penalised for encouraging illegal strikes in the state.

The Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) Amendment Bill 2020 passed by the Odisha Assembly on Monday include 1-year jail term and a fine up to Rs 5,000 or both if the safety of people is comprised due to strike by the employees. 

The amendment bill has also expanded its purview by including Fire Services, Forest, Excise, Prison Reforms and Electronics and Information and Communication departments under its ambit.