The UT Administration has invoked the Haryana Essential Services (Maintenance) Act (ESMA), 1974, replacing the East Punjab Essential Services (Maintenance) Act (ESMA), 1947, to prevent a strike by power staff in Chandigarh. This move comes in response to the UT Powermen Union’s call for a work boycott starting January 1, protesting the privatisation of the UT Electricity Department.
Haryana ESMA: A More Stringent Measure
The new Haryana ESMA provides the UT Administration with greater authority to take action against any employees who violate the strike ban. A senior official from the administration confirmed that this act offers stronger enforcement powers than the previous Punjab Act, which was invoked on December 5, 2024.
The Impact on Electricity Supply
According to the UT Administration’s notification, the Electricity Department has been declared an essential service, as any strike would disrupt electricity generation and supply in the region. In accordance with Section 3 of the Haryana ESMA, the UT Administrator has prohibited any strikes by electricity employees for a period of six months, starting immediately.
Privatisation of the UT Electricity Department
This development follows significant changes in the power sector, including the privatisation of the UT Electricity Department. The RP Sanjiv Goenka (RPSG) Group’s subsidiary, Eminent Electricity Distribution Limited (EEDL), won the bid for the department’s privatisation on August 5, 2021. The bid, valued at approximately Rs 871 crore, was well above the reserve price of Rs 175 crore.
The UT Engineering Department is expected to transfer the department’s liabilities to the private company by the end of December 2024.
Attendance Monitoring and Action Against Absenteeism
Meanwhile, the UT Department of Personnel has instructed all department heads to monitor attendance and take action against any unauthorised absences. Heads of departments are required to submit lists of absentees to the Secretary, Personnel, along with details of the disciplinary actions being taken.
This strict enforcement of the Haryana ESMA and ongoing structural changes in the Electricity Department highlight the Administration’s focus on maintaining essential services while managing significant sector reforms.
