Centre Issues Ordinance Prohibiting Strikes By Those Engaged In Essential Defence Services

The ordinance comes in the backdrop of the announcement by major federations of the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) to go on indefinite strike from the later part of next month in protest against the government's decision to corporatise the OFB.

The government on Wednesday came out with an ordinance prohibiting any agitation and strike by anyone engaged in the essential defence services. The Essential Defence Services Ordinance 2021 comes in the backdrop of the announcement by major federations of the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) to go on indefinite strike from the later part of next month in protest against the government''s decision to corporatise the OFB. A gazette notification said employees involved in the production of defence equipment, services and operation or maintenance of any industrial establishment connected with the military as well as those employed in repair and maintenance of defence products will come under the purview of the ordinance. "Any person, who commences a strike which is illegal under this Ordinance or goes or remains on, or otherwise takes part in, any such strike, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or with fine which may extend to Rs 10,000 or both," the notification issued by the Law Ministry said.