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The Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has imposed a six-month ban on strikes and protests across its departments, corporations, and local bodies.
The restriction has been enforced under the provisions of the Uttar Pradesh Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA), according to an official statement.
The UP government has clarified in the order that this decision has been taken keeping in mind the public interest.
The Uttar Pradesh government’s order was issued by Principal Secretary M Devraj, under the powers provided by Uttar Pradesh Essential Services Maintenance Act, 1966.
The order states that officers and employees associated with any services related to the UP government, services controlled and owned by the government will not be able to go on strike in any way for the next six months. The order states that this decision has been taken in the public interest.
State BJP spokesperson Manish Shukla explained that the decision was taken to facilitate preparations for major upcoming events such as the grand Kumbh Mela and other important programmes.
The measure is intended to ensure uninterrupted access to essential services for both residents and visiting devotees during these occasions.
Meanwhile, the Samajwadi Party (SP), the leading opposition party in Uttar Pradesh, has denounced the ban as “undemocratic.”
SP MLC Ashutosh Sinha told news agency PTI that the decision violates the constitutional rights of individuals and government employees to express their views.
“It seems the government is trying to suppress public expression,” he commented.
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