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Gandhinagar, March 20 – The Gujarat government has taken decisive action by invoking the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) against striking health workers who have launched an indefinite strike demanding the resolution of long-pending grievances. This move comes as protests and demonstrations by Multi-Purpose Health Workers, Female Health Workers, and other medical staff escalate across the state.
The strike, which has seen health employees submitting memorandums to district collectors, including in Botad on March 18, centers on demands for the cancellation of departmental exams, the removal of salary discrepancies, and the implementation of technical grade pay. Employees had previously warned of stricter action if their demands were not met.
In response, the state government has classified health services as essential under ESMA. This allows the government to prohibit strikes and potentially impose severe consequences on those who refuse to return to work. Notably, the government has hinted at the possibility of terminating fixed-pay employees participating in the strike.
The invocation of ESMA, which is already applied to essential services like the police and energy departments, underscores the government’s determination to maintain uninterrupted healthcare services. The Gujarat Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) of 1972 grants the government the authority to prohibit strikes in services deemed essential to public welfare.
The striking employees have intensified their protests, with gatherings and demonstrations taking place in various locations, including Khambhaliya, Dwarka, and near Satyagraha Chhavani in Gandhinagar. Despite previous appeals and demonstrations, health workers feel their concerns have been repeatedly ignored, leading them to escalate their actions.
The ESMA act defines essential services to include all state government employment, the State Legislature Secretariat, the High Court, and any employment the government deems necessary for public utility, safety, or essential supplies. The government can issue orders prohibiting strikes in these services, which are then published to inform the public.
As the standoff continues, the coming days will be crucial in determining whether a resolution can be reached between the state government and the striking health workers, or if the situation will further escalate.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information available at the time of publication. The situation is developing, and details may change. The information provided is for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Readers should consult with appropriate professionals for specific advice related to their circumstances.(https://bhaskarlive.in/gujarat-govt-imposes-esma-on-striking-health-workers/)
