Essential Services Maintenance Act invoked in Chhattisgarh amidst surge in COVID cases

Amidst the rapidly surging Covid crisis, Chhattisgarh Government has invoked the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA).

Chhattisgarh government has issued an order invoking the ESMA after taking stock of the Covid situation,. According to an order issued by the state home department, now the refusal to work in essential services has been prohibited.

This order will be applicable on doctors, nurses and other health workers in all government and private health institutions as well as on workers involved in sanitation.

Refusal for work in sale, manufacturing and transportation of medical equipment, medicines and drugs, operation of ambulance services, water and power supply services will also be prohibited.

Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh Government has made it mandatory for all passengers entering the state by air or railways to carry negative RTPCR report that is not older than 72 hours.