Govt prohibits strikes in power sector

Bhubaneswar: Odisha govt has prohibited strikes in power sector establishments across the state under the Odisha Essential Services (Maintenance) Act, 1988, to ensure uninterrupted generation, transmission and distribution of electricity, said an official statement from the energy department on Friday.This step was taken by govt in view of the summer and severe heatwave in different parts of the state. Electricity is very important for people apart from hospitals, industries and other sectors, said an energy department official.“State govt is satisfied that in the interest of public, it is necessary to prohibit strikes connected with the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity in all establishments of GRIDCO, OPTCL, OHPC, OPGC, four power distribution companies and any other power generating organisations in the state, for the purpose of keeping industrial peace to optimise generation, transmission and distribution of power in the state,” said a home department order dated May 21.According to the ESMA, the state prohibits strikes in these services. Strike means the cessation of work by a body of persons employed/engaged in any essential service. The order shall remain in force for a period of six months with e