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The government recently issued an ordinance prohibiting any agitation and strike by anyone engaged in the essential defence services.

The Essential Defence Services Ordinance 2021 comes in the backdrop of the announcement by major federations of the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) to go on indefinite strike from the later part of next month in protest against the government’s decision to corporatise the OFB.

Key Highlights

• A gazette notification said employees involved in the production of defence equipment, services and operation or maintenance of any industrial establishment connected with the military as well as those employed in repair and maintenance of defence products will come under the purview of the ordinance.
• It said anyone instigating or inciting others to take part in a strike declared illegal under the Ordinance shall also be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend up to two years besides prescribed fines.
• The gazette notification mentioned that parliament is not in session and that the President of India is “satisfied that circumstances exist which render it necessary for him to take immediate action.”
• It said the provision of the Ordinance will extend to the whole country services linked to the production of goods or equipment required for any purpose connected with defence will come under its purview.

SOURCE: The Wire

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