November 19, 1981, Forty Years Ago: ESMA In Assam

The Centre invoked the sweeping powers given to it by the Essential Services Maintenance Act after a meeting of the Union Cabinet.

This is the front page of The Indian Express published on November 19, 1981.

On the eve of the 36-hour bandh in Assam as part of the revival of the agitation against foreigners, the Centre issued an order banning strikes in essential services like railways postal departments and services connected with the operation and maintenance of aerodromes in the state. The Centre invoked the sweeping powers given to it by the Essential Services Maintenance Act after a meeting of the Union Cabinet. The blanket order covers production, supply and distribution of coal, power, steel, fertilisers, petroleum and petroleum products and all defence installations, transport, banking and air and hospital services. Employees in Central undertakings, engaged in purchase, procurement, storage, supply or distribution of foodgrains have also been bought under the purview of the order.

Strikes in some sections of the private sector industry have also been banned.

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First published on: 19-11-2021 at 04:30 IST