Odisha Govt Invokes ESMA to Forbid Strikes Of Fire Services Personnel 

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

While issuing the prohibitory orders on Tuesday, 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 of ESMA 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 were wearing black badges as a mark of protest for the last two months, threatened to start cease work agitation from February 21. They are demanding a hike in their salaries and allowances at par with Odisha police. They also want their association formed in 1980 to be allowed to be registered.