Uttarakhand: The government has imposed a six-month ban on strikes in state-run services and has issued an official notification.

The Government of Uttarakhand has announced a prohibition on strikes within all state-controlled services for a period of six months. This decision has been taken with the intention of ensuring that essential public services continue to function smoothly and without interruption. In this context, Shailesh Bagoli, the Personnel Secretary, has formally issued an official notification outlining the details and legal basis of the order. According to the notification, the state government has invoked the provisions of the *Uttar Pradesh Essential Services Maintenance Act, 1966*, which remains applicable in Uttarakhand. Specifically, the order has been enacted under Sub-section (1) of Section 3 of this Act. The notification clearly states that, in the interest of the public and to maintain the uninterrupted operation of critical and essential services, all forms of strikes within state-governed departments and services are strictly prohibited for the next six months, starting from the date the order is issued. The government’s position is that such a temporary restriction is necessary to avoid any disruption to essential services that citizens depend upon on a daily basis. These services include administrative functions, public health, transportation, law enforcement, public utilities, and various other sectors that support the routine functioning of the state. By imposing this ban, the authorities aim to prevent any scenario in which public welfare could be adversely affected due to service delays or shutdowns caused by employee strikes. Furthermore, the notification underscores that maintaining stability and continuity in essential services is a matter of utmost priority for the state government. The temporary ban is framed not as a punitive measure but as an administrative step required to safeguard public interest. The government has emphasized that uninterrupted essential services are crucial for ensuring the safety, convenience, and well-being of the population, especially during periods of administrative or social challenges. In summary, the Uttarakhand government’s notification establishes a six-month prohibition on strikes in all state-controlled services under the legal authority of the Essential Services Maintenance Act, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining consistent and reliable public services.