No strike allowed in Goa pharma units, Govt extends ESMA by 6 months
Panaji: With an aim of ensuring the uninterrupted production and supply of pharmaceuticals, the Goa government has decided to extend the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) for private pharmaceutical manufacturing companies for another six months.
This extension of the ESMA effectively means that employees working in the pharma sector are prohibited from going on strikes or any form of protest.
“The Government of Goa in exercise of the powers conferred upon it by sub-section (I) of Section 3 of the Goa Essential Services Maintenance Act 1988 and being satisfied that in the public interest it is necessary so to do hereby prohibit strike in any form in all establishments engaged in manufacturing, packaging, distribution and transportation of pharmaceutical products and components thereof in pharmaceutical sector in the State of Goa with immediate effect,” an order issued by Under Secretary (Home I) said.
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“Strike in any form in all establishment engaged in manufacturing, packaging, distribution and transportation of pharmaceutical products and components thereof in pharmaceutical sector in the state is prohibited during the period that ESMA is in force,” Under secretary for home Vivek Naik informed TOI.
The home department had initially employed the ESMA measures for the pharmaceutical sector on June 16. This move was strategized to preemptively counter any potential disruptions in the form of protests or strikes by workers employed in the pharmaceutical industry.
Goa, being a significant hub for the pharmaceutical industry, is home to approximately 54 pharmaceutical company units. These companies are not just vital for the state but also for the nation as they contribute to around 12% of India's total pharmaceutical production. Such a contribution underscores the importance of ensuring that the production lines in these companies remain active and unobstructed.
However, the extension of the ESMA hasn't been without its detractors. The All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) has gone on to state its intent to challenge this decision in court.
