Gujarat Govt Invokes ESMA on Striking Health Workers

The Gujarat government has invoked the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) against striking health workers, making it mandatory for them to resume duty or face legal consequences. The move comes amid an indefinite strike by medical employees demanding long-pending reforms, including salary corrections and the removal of departmental exams.

The ESMA declaration, issued on Wednesday, categorizes health services as essential, barring employees from striking. The government has warned that fixed-pay employees participating in the protest risk termination.

Thousands of Multi-Purpose Health Workers, Female Health Workers, and other medical staff have been protesting across Gujarat. Their demands include salary parity, removal of exam requirements, and implementation of technical grade pay. In Botad, workers submitted a memorandum to the District Collector on March 18, warning of stricter action if their demands remain unmet.

Protests have been escalating statewide, with demonstrations near Satyagraha Chhavani in Gandhinagar and previous agitation in Khambhaliya, Dwarka. Despite multiple appeals, workers claim their concerns have been ignored by the government, prompting the indefinite strike.

The Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) allows the government to prohibit strikes in key sectors to prevent disruptions in public services. Under the Act, violations can lead to disciplinary action, including dismissal and legal proceedings. While police and energy services are already covered under ESMA, the latest move extends strict enforcement to the health sector.

With both sides firm on their stance, the coming days will determine whether the dispute is resolved through negotiations or if the standoff intensifies further.

(With agency input)