Major news is emerging from Uttarakhand: the state government has invoked ESMA (Essential Services Maintenance Act) across the entire state. Under this order, issued by Personnel Secretary Shailesh Bagauli, all forms of strikes are prohibited for the next six months.
This decision was taken in light of planned agitations by employee unions. With elections approaching, these unions are preparing to protest, pressing for the restoration of the old ACP (Assured Career Progression) system prior to the implementation of the 8th Pay Commission.
Shortly after the government invoked ESMA, the Congress party and D.El.Ed-trained candidates staged a protest outside the Uttarakhand Subordinate Services Selection Commission office, alleging irregularities in the recruitment of secondary assistant teachers.
The protesters locked the Commission’s gate and demanded an immediate halt to the recruitment process. In response, the Commission postponed the document verification for the remaining posts. During the protest last Thursday, Congress State Vice President Suryakant Dhasmana arrived at the site and raised slogans in support of the demonstrators; subsequently, the agitated crowd locked the Commission’s gate.