Bhubaneswar, Feb. 21 -- The Odisha government today invoked Essential Services (Maintenance) Act against the agitating fire services personnel in the state.

The Home department issued the prohibitory order by exercising the power conferred by sub-section (1) of Section 3 of the Odisha Essential Services (Maintenance) Act, 1988 (Odisha Act 9 of 1992) and Section 2 (v) of the ESMA Amendment Act, 2020. The order will remain in force for a period of six months with effect from the date of issue, said a notification issued by the department today.

The state government has invoked ESMA on the strikes by the fire services personnel to safeguard the interests of public. "Fire services are vitally necessary for the life of the community. So, it ...