Lucknow, Dec. 7 -- The Uttar Pradesh government has extended its ban on strikes in the power sector for another six months even as engineers and other employees continued to oppose the proposed privatisation of the Agra and Varanasi distribution companies. A fresh order issued on December 4, with the governor's approval, renews the strike prohibition under the Uttar Pradesh Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA), covering all state power utilities, including UPPCL, UPRVUNL, UPPTCL, KESCO and a renewable energy entity. Power staff have been in confrontation with the government for nearly a year over the privatisation plan, which they argue will erode service conditions and pave the way for wider private entry into the sector. Their protests have ranged from symbolic demonstrations to work-to-rule campaigns, prompting the earlier imposition of ESMA to prevent any disruption in essential electricity supply. The latest notification states that the government considers the strike ban "necessary and expedient" to maintain uninterrupted power services, making it clear that any industrial action remains prohibited. Officials indicated that this is merely an extension of the previous order, as the government may soon invite bids seeking a private takeover of the two discoms....