LUCKNOW, June 7 -- The Uttar Pradesh government on Thursday invoked the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA), banning strikes across all major power-related services in the state for six months. The order was digitally signed by special secretary, Raj Kumar, in accordance with legal requirements. According to the official notification issued by the energy department (Urja Anubhag-2) and published under the authority of the governor, the state government has taken the step in the interest of public welfare, citing the essential nature of electricity services and the potential risk to public life and infrastructure posed by disruptions. The fresh order supersedes a previous notification (No. 866/24-P-2-24-1(121)/04) dated December 6, 2024. The new directive bars strikes in the organisations like Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited, Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited, Uttar Pradesh Power Transmission Corporation Limited, Kanpur Electricity Supply Company, Madhyanchal Vidyut Vitaran Nigam Ltd, Purvanchal Vidyut Vitaran Nigam Ltd, Varanasi, Paschimanchal Vidyut Vitaran Nigam Ltd, Meerut, Dakshinanchal Vidyut Vitaran Nigam Ltd, Agra and UP Renewable & EV Infrastructure Ltd, Lucknow. To note, privatisation of two distribution companies-Purvanchal and Dakshinachal Vidyuta Vitaran Nigam Limited-is proposed in Uttar Pradesh. The development comes amidst growing concerns over potential industrial unrest and service disruptions in the power sector. Shailendra Dubey, chairman, All India Power Engineers' Federation, expressed concern over the decision, alleging, "The government is not acting in a fair manner and is trying to promote privatisation by imposing acts like ESMA." However, government officials maintain that privatisation aims to modernise the power sector....