The Odisha government has invoked the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) in the power generation, transmission and distribution sector, prohibiting strikes and work stoppages by employees and associated personnel for the next six months.

According to a notification issued by the Home Department’s Special Section on May 21, 2026, the order has been enforced under Section 3(1) of the Odisha Essential Services (Maintenance) Act, 1988.

The restriction has been imposed on employees and workers engaged in GRIDCO, OPTCL, OHPC, OPGC, TPCODL, TPNODL, TPSODL and TPWODL, along with other power-generating organisations operating in the State.

The notification stated that the state government considered the move necessary “in the interest of public” to maintain industrial peace and ensure uninterrupted generation, transmission and distribution of electricity across Odisha.

The order defines strike as cessation of work, refusal to continue duties or unauthorised absence from duty by employees engaged in essential services under a common understanding.

With the enforcement of ESMA, employees and persons associated with the electricity sector will not be allowed to resort to agitation, strikes or work stoppages during the six-month period.

Also Read: Over 10,000 contractual power workers stage protest over retrenchment issue in Bhubaneswar

Deputy Chief Minister and Energy Minister KV Singh Deo said the decision was aimed at ensuring uninterrupted power supply to consumers, maintaining stability in the industrial sector and safeguarding essential electricity services across the State.

He said the provisions would apply to employees of GRIDCO, OPTCL, OHPC, OPGC and all DISCOMs functioning in Odisha.