Odisha's Energy Sector Faces Unrest Amid ESMA Enforcement

The Energy department of Odisha enforces the Essential Services Maintenance Act, 1988 on power utilities to prevent strikes and maintain peace. A protest by Tata Power Central Odisha Distribution Ltd engineers led to disciplinary action and intervention from police and Deputy Chief Minister for resolution.

The Odisha government has invoked the Essential Services Maintenance Act, 1988 (ESMA) for all power utilities to prevent strikes and maintain industrial peace, after engineers from Tata Power Central Odisha Distribution Ltd staged a protest over transfer issues, prompting police intervention.

The Energy department has urged the state's Director General of Police to ensure strict enforcement of ESMA. A protest resulted in management lodging FIRs against protest leaders. The Deputy Chief Minister intervened, leading to modified transfer orders and withdrawal of disciplinary actions.

Despite ESMA enforcement, protestors plan further demonstrations, demanding withdrawal of charges against 11 officials. Authorities insist on stringent actions against any future breaches of ESMA to protect consumer interests and prevent disorder in the sector.