Uttarakhand Government Imposes Six-Month Ban on Strikes, Pushkar Singh Dhami Administration Takes Decision

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Dehradun, Uttarakhand: The Uttarakhand government has imposed a six-month ban on strikes across state-run services to ensure uninterrupted public service delivery. The decision comes amid ongoing strikes by UPNL (Uttarakhand Public Non-Gazetted Employees) staff, which had disrupted operations in several government departments.

Official Notification

According to Personnel Secretary Shailesh Bagoli, the government has issued a formal notification invoking Section 3(1) of the Essential Services Maintenance Act, 1966, applicable in Uttarakhand. The order prohibits any form of strike in state-administered services for the next six months.

This decision aims to safeguard public interest by maintaining the continuity of essential services, including hospitals, administrative departments, and other government functions that were recently affected by work stoppages and potential labor unrest.

Scope and Implementation

The ban applies to all state-run services, including employees working through UPNL contracts, outsourced, and temporary staff. The administration emphasized that this step is necessary to prevent disruption of developmental projects, preparations for Kumbh 2027, digital governance initiatives, and public service delivery.

Officials warned that any employee or group violating the ban may face legal action under the relevant provisions of the law.

Government’s Rationale

The Uttarakhand government cited recent strike actions and their adverse effects on citizens as the primary reason for the prohibition. Ensuring smooth governance and uninterrupted public services remains the top priority, especially in the run-up to major state events and ongoing administrative programs.

The six-month strike ban is a proactive measure to maintain law and order and ensure that essential public services are delivered without hindrance across Uttarakhand.