Bhubaneswar: The government of Odisha has imposed a six-month prohibition on strikes in the state’s electricity services under the Odisha Essential Services (Maintenance) Act (ESMA), 1988, in a move aimed at ensuring uninterrupted power supply across generation, transmission, and distribution systems.
The restriction covers all key power utilities and establishments, including GRIDCO, OPTCL, OHPC, OPGC, TPCODL, TPNODL, TPSODL, TPWODL, and other power-related organisations operating in the state.
According to the official order issued by the Home (Special Section) Department, the state government said it was satisfied that prohibiting strikes in the electricity sector was necessary in the public interest to maintain industrial stability and ensure smooth power operations.
The notification defines “strike” under the provisions of the Act to include coordinated work stoppages, refusal to work under a common understanding, and unauthorised absence from duty as part of collective action.
Invoking powers under Section 3(1) read with Section 2 of the Odisha ESMA, the government declared that the ban on strikes will remain in force for six months from the date of issue.
The order is aimed at safeguarding uninterrupted electricity supply, particularly amid ongoing high demand conditions, and ensuring continuity in essential services across Odisha.
Deputy Chief Minister and Energy Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo said the move reaffirms the government’s commitment to maintaining a stable and reliable power ecosystem, stressing that uninterrupted electricity is critical for the state’s development and public welfare.
In a post on X, he said: “Recognizing its critical importance, the government of Odisha has invoked the Odisha Essential Services (Maintenance) Act, 1988, to prohibit strikes in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity across GRIDCO, OPTCL, OHPC, OPGC, and all DISCOMs.”
