Uttarakhand: ESMA imposed on UPNL workers… Congress state president Godiyal said that the government has chosen the path of repression instead of dialogue

Uttarakhand Congress state president Ganesh Godiyal has strongly criticized the state government for imposing ESMA (Uttarakhand Essential Services Maintenance Act) and enforcing a *no-work, no-pay* policy on UPNL employees. Godiyal said that these are the same workers who, for years, have supported the state’s health, security, administrative, and technical systems—without permanent status, without protection, and without fair wages. Now, when these employees are demanding their legitimate rights, clear policies, and proper service conditions, the government has chosen repression over dialogue. This, he added, clearly shows that the Dhami government is trying to hide its policy failures, its inability to manage human resources, and its insensitivity towards its own workforce.