BHUBANESWAR: The government on Friday prohibited strikes in power sector establishments under the Odisha Essential Services (Maintenance) Act, 1988, to ensure uninterrupted generation, transmission and distribution of electricity. The order comes as power cuts are being seen at many places of the state in the midst of the heatwave conditions.
The order covers GRIDCO, OPTCL, OHPC, OPGC and DISCOM utilities, and will remain in force for six months from the date of issuance. A notification from the Home department said the move was necessary to maintain essential electricity services for the public, industries, hospitals, and agriculture, especially during the peak summer and upcoming kharif season.
Under ESMA, any violation of the order can attract legal action, including disciplinary proceedings and prosecution. Officials said the step is preventive and aimed at avoiding any disruption in power supply due to labour unrest. “The step has been taken to keep industrial peace to optimise generation, transmission and distribution of power in the state,” it added.
Meanwhile, reacting to power cuts in the state,deputy chief minister and Energy minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo said the ongoing heatwave is pushing up electricity demand. “More air conditioners are being used. As a result, there is overload and transformers are burning out,” he said and added arrangements are being made for quick restoration. “We are making arrangements to restore supply quickly. We are trying to ensure that people get uninterrupted electricity,” he added.