The Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) has been in force in the MCL coalfields areas to maintain peace and hassle-free production and dispatch of coal. Also, the aim is to reach for the production target.
It was observed that strikes conducted by several unions through political hands caused huge losses. All the companies like NTPC, Nalco, TTPS, JSPL, and other power production units in or outside the State are taking coal to produce power for their own consumption and supplies to electricity companies. But as the coal mines are frequently affected by agitations, supply of coal is hit. The ESMA remains in force from May 15 and will continue for next six months. In this period mass agitations and strikes will be strictly prohibited in the mines area of Talcher.