The punjab government on wednesday invoked the east punjab Essential services (Maintenance) Act (ESMA) in
view of the strike call by revenue officers and Deputy Commissioner office employees. The provisions of ESMA
have been implemented a few hours after chief minister Bhagwant Mann had warned the revenue officers and
employees of Deputy Commissioner offices of strict action if they go on strike.
According to an order issued by the Revenue Department, all revenue officers and employees of the Deputy
Commissioner's office have been instructed not to leave the office till october 31 or further orders. It has been
said in the order that strict action will be taken under ESMA if the order is violated. The chief minister had
earlier directed the Financial Commissioner (Revenue) through the Chief Secretary to implement the provisions
of the east punjab ESMA so that criminal proceedings could be initiated against the employees if they go on
strike as the state grapples with floods.
Employees called for indefinite strike
Under the banner of Revenue Patwar Union and Revenue Kanungo Association, more than two thousand
employees have called for an indefinite strike from Friday. In fact, a week ago a case of corruption was registered
against a Patwari and a Kanungo (both revenue officers) in Sangrur district. At the same time, 'Deputy
Commissioner office Employees Union' has called for a strike from 11 to 13 september regarding their various
demands.
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