Goa invokes ESMA, prohibits strike by Govt employees

Panaji, Mar 9 (UNI) The Goa Government today prohibited strikes in all government departments by invoking provisions of the Goa Essential Services Maintainance Act (ESMA) with immediate effect.

The Government has also constituted a high-power three-member committee headed by Deputy Chief Minister Dr Wilfred De Souza to look into the demands of the Goa Government Employees Association (GGEA) which has threatened to disrupt essential services from tomorrow.

Chief Secretary J P Singh will assist the committee which includes Power Minister Digambar Kamat and Social Welfare Minister Subhash Shirodkar in negotiating with GGEA representatives from Monday.

The committee has been constituted at the behest of Chief Minister Pratapsinh Rane and has to submit its recommendations by March 15, Mr Singh told UNI this evening. The employees, meanwhile, observed a token ''pen down'' strike today.

The services declared as essential include transport operations meant for the carriage of passengers or goods by land or water besides those connected with the production, generation, storage, transmission, supply or distribution as the case may be of gas, water or electricity.

The ESMA covers maintenance of public health and sanitation, including hospitals and dispensaries and all public services and posts in connection with the affairs of the State of Goa.

The Government has warned employees against resorting to any strike as it could invite penal action under ESMA. Violators could face upto six months imprisonment or a fine upto Rs 200, or both.

That apart, the defaulting employees can face disciplinary action and even dismissal.

The Government employees had yesterday taken out a procession demanding parity in wages and retirement age, and also a hike in allowances.

UNI