Odisha government employees will now be penalised if they resort to strikes threatening the safety and security of the people.
The Odisha Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) Amendment Bill, 2020, which was passed by the Assembly on Monday has provisions for one-year jail term and a fine upto Rs 5,000 or both if the safety of the people is compromised due to strikes by the employees.
“Any person who instigates or incites other persons to take part in, or otherwise acts in furtherance of, or does any act preparatory to, a strike which is illegal under this act shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine which may extend to Rs 5,000 or with both,” the bill states.
It also prohibits employees from extending or supplying any money to a strike which is illegal under this bill.
The fire services, forest, excise, prison and correctional services and any service connected with the working of any establishment have been brought under the ambit of the bill.