Delhi invokes ESMA ahead of power employees' strike

Declaring the supply and distribution of electricity as "essential" services, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal on Friday invoked the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) ahead of a proposed strike by the electricity employees in the national capital.

"The Delhi LG...prohibits the strike by electricity employees and engineers (BSES, BSES Yamuna and TATA power) for a period of six months," a Delhi government notification said.

The electricity employees and engineers have planned a one-day strike on January 8 or 9 to press for their demands and also join a nationwide strike called by central trade unions on one of the two days. - IANS