Odisha Enforces ESMA On Oxygen Production, Distribution, Transportation

Bhubaneswar: In the wake of an elevated oxygen demand due to rising COVID cases, Odisha government on Thursday enforced ESMA (Essential Services Maintenance Act) on the production, distribution and transportation of liquid oxygen for next six months.

In a nutshell, the Odisha government has effectively made cease-work strikes by all the workers and officials associated with Oxygen production, supply and & transportation, illegal with immediate effect.

An official order in this connection was issued by the Odisha Home Department on Thursday that read, “It is necessary to prohibit strikes in the services of manufacturing, filling and transportation/distribution of Liquid Medical Oxygen by the manufacturers, transporters and fillers during the current Covid-19 pandemic situation to ensure smooth manufacture, filling and transportation/distribution of Liquid Medical Oxygen in the State of Odisha and to avoid any hindrance/dislocation in such services.”

The Odisha Essential Services (Maintenance) Amendment Act, 2020 (Odisha Act I of 2021), the State Government prohibited strikes in the aforesaid services.

The order shall remain in force for a period of six months with effect from the date of issue, read the order.